Access Bank is hiring a Business Manager, Retail SME in Port Harcourt. Apply for this banking leadership role requiring SME sales, credit management, and team leadership experience.

Professionals with strong experience in SME banking, relationship management, and business development can apply for the Business Manager, Retail SME position at Access Bank Plc in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The role is designed for experienced banking professionals who can grow SME portfolios, manage customer relationships, lead sales teams, and improve business performance through effective credit and relationship management strategies.

Job Overview

Job Title: Business Manager, Retail SME
OrganizationLocation: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Grade: SBO – DM
Industry: Banking / Financial Services / SME Banking

About Access Bank Plc

Access Bank Plc is a full-service commercial bank providing financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and corporate organizations.

The bank operates across several markets through a broad network of branches and service outlets, supporting customers through personal banking, business banking, commercial banking, and corporate financial services.

Through its SME banking activities, Access Bank works with entrepreneurs and growing businesses by providing financial products, advisory support, and relationship-driven banking solutions.

About the Business Manager, Retail SME Role

The Business Manager will oversee SME business growth, profitability, customer relationships, and team performance within the assigned location.

The successful candidate will develop strategies to attract and retain SME customers, manage lending activities, support business expansion, and ensure the SME unit achieves its financial and service objectives.

This position requires a combination of banking expertise, sales leadership, credit assessment ability, and strong relationship management skills.

Key Responsibilities

SME Business Growth and Customer Acquisition

The role involves:

• Developing strategies to grow the SME customer portfolio.
• Identifying new business opportunities through market research and industry analysis.
• Building and maintaining a pipeline of qualified SME prospects.
• Managing relationships with existing SME customers.
• Increasing customer engagement through physical and digital banking channels.
• Improving customer retention and expanding customer wallet share.

Credit Management and Portfolio Performance

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and recommending SME credit facilities.
• Assessing customer business needs and financial capacity.
• Managing SME loan portfolios to maintain quality performance.
• Applying effective credit risk management practices.
• Supporting sustainable lending decisions.
• Monitoring portfolio performance and addressing emerging risks.

Team Leadership and Performance Management

The Business Manager will:

• Lead and supervise SME Relationship Officers and Account Officers.
• Provide coaching and guidance to improve team performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews.
• Build a strong sales and customer-focused culture.
• Support staff development and accountability.

Business Reporting and Strategic Execution

Duties include:

• Driving achievement of loan, deposit, and revenue targets.
• Monitoring profitability indicators and business performance.
• Preparing weekly and monthly SME performance reports.
• Supporting budget planning and implementation.
• Collaborating with Risk, Credit, Operations, and other internal teams.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline.
• A Master’s Degree or professional qualification will be an added advantage.
• 6–8 years of banking experience with strong exposure to SME sales and relationship management.
• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership position.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Banking and Business Skills

• Strong knowledge of SME banking products.
• Understanding of credit processes and lending practices.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and assess credit risk.
• Experience managing SME loan portfolios.
• Ability to structure and negotiate credit facilities.
• Knowledge of SME sectors including trade, manufacturing, services, and agriculture.

Leadership and Communication Skills

• Strong customer relationship management abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Conflict management and team-building abilities.
• High level of accountability and ownership.

Career Value of This Opportunity

This position offers experienced banking professionals an opportunity to take a leadership role in SME banking, one of the most important segments supporting business growth and entrepreneurship.

The role provides exposure to portfolio management, credit strategy, customer acquisition, and team leadership, making it suitable for professionals seeking advancement in commercial banking and financial services management.

Before submitting your application, ensure your CV clearly demonstrates your experience in SME banking, portfolio management, credit analysis, customer acquisition, and leadership.

Recruiters for management-level banking roles often look for measurable achievements rather than job duties alone. If you need help strengthening your application, read our How to Write a Professional CV in Nigeria That Gets Interviews (2026 Guide) for practical tips on creating a CV that stands out.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified, Go to Access Bank on jobs.workable.com to apply

Application Portal: Access Bank Careers Portal (jobs.workable.com

Related Banking and Financial Services Jobs You May Like

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• Loan Officer Jobs in Nigeria.
• Relationship Manager Jobs in Nigeria .
• Business Development Manager Jobs in Nigeria .
• Financial Reporting Executive Jobs in Nigeria.
• Customer Service Jobs in Nigeria 

Application Deadline

Not Specified

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure their CV clearly highlights SME banking experience, credit management achievements, portfolio growth results, and leadership responsibilities.

CV Tips for Applicants

To improve your application, highlight:

• SME customer acquisition achievements.
• Loan portfolio size and performance managed.
• Revenue, deposit, or sales targets achieved.
• Credit analysis and risk management experience.
• Leadership experience managing relationship officers or sales teams.
• Experience working with SME sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, or services.

A results-focused CV that demonstrates measurable banking achievements will better match the expectations for this managerial role.