Regional Relationship Manager – SME (North Eastern)

Equity Bank is recruiting a seasoned Regional Relationship Manager – SME (North Eastern) to lead and grow its SME banking portfolio in Kenya. This manager-level banking job in Kenya is based at the North Eastern Regional Offices (Eastleigh) and focuses on driving business development, credit growth, customer relationships, and regional strategy execution within the SME segment.

Key Job Information

• Position: Regional Relationship Manager – SME (North Eastern)
• Company: Equity Bank Kenya
• Department: Credit
• Location: North Eastern Region, Eastleigh – Kenya
• Employment Type: Regular
• Job Level: Manager
• Job Shift: Day Job
• Posted On: January 7, 2026

About Equity Bank

Equity Bank is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, recognized for its role in advancing financial inclusion, SME financing, and inclusive economic development. With operations across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the bank serves over 12 million customers, making it the largest customer-based bank in Africa.

Through its strong focus on SME banking, business growth, and regional development, Equity Bank empowers entrepreneurs and enterprises while maintaining robust governance, credit discipline, and customer-centric service delivery.

Regional Relationship Manager – SME Role Overview

The Regional Relationship Manager – SME (North Eastern) is accountable for leading the business banking and SME segment within the region. The role drives strategic initiatives aligned with Equity Bank’s regional and national objectives while ensuring sustainable portfolio growth, customer loyalty, and strong risk management.

This SME banking leadership role in Kenya involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, people management, and oversight of financial performance. The role holder acts as a key member of the regional leadership team, ensuring alignment of business strategy, staff motivation, and execution excellence across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Develop and implement annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the North Eastern region.
• Manage borrowing and non-borrowing SME customers to drive loyalty, portfolio growth, and risk mitigation.
• Continuously assess and adjust regional business strategies to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Lead SME segment initiatives to achieve growth, profitability, and balance sheet quality targets.
• Cultivate strong relationships with existing and potential business banking clients.
• Conduct regular business visits to clients, prospects, and branches to strengthen engagement.
• Maintain a sustainable and high-quality balance sheet by managing key financial metrics.
• Implement cost optimization strategies to improve operational efficiency.
• Continuously enhance customer value propositions across SME segments.

Market & Customer Service

• Collaborate with regional stakeholders to develop and execute sales and marketing initiatives.
• Analyze market intelligence, customer trends, and regulatory developments.
• Represent Equity Bank as a brand ambassador across the region.
• Strengthen and position the Equity Bank brand within target markets.
• Lead SME marketing and business banking campaigns.
• Initiate and sustain strategic business partnerships.
• Ensure strict adherence to customer service standards.
• Drive market share growth while upholding ethical and sustainable practices.

Audit, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure loan book quality across all SME segments meets established standards.
• Participate actively in the Regional Credit Committee.
• Enforce compliance with regulatory, internal, and policy requirements.
• Develop and implement Business Continuity Plans for SME segments.
• Drive improvements in audit and risk ratings within approved thresholds.
• Communicate the Bank’s risk and control environment to staff.

People Management

• Build and leverage high-performing teams to achieve regional objectives.
• Oversee recruitment, retention, and succession planning within the SME segment.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff to enhance performance and capability.
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct timely evaluations.
• Conduct weekly performance review meetings with Business Banking Officers.
• Identify staffing gaps and advise on optimal staff deployment.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures.

Performance & Reporting

• Optimize use of the Management Information System (MIS) for performance management.
• Ensure proper client segmentation and targeted SME marketing.
• Submit timely management and performance reports.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in banking, commercial credit, or financial analysis.
• At least four (4) years’ experience as a Business Client Advisor or similar role.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of SME banking operations and organizational effectiveness.
• Proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Experience in policy development and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.

Benefits and Career Growth

• Leadership role within a top-tier bank in Kenya.
• Strategic exposure to SME banking and regional leadership.
• Professional growth within a pan-African financial institution.
• Opportunity to drive regional economic impact.

How to Apply for This Regional Relationship Manager – SME Job

Qualified candidates seeking a Regional Relationship Manager – SME (North Eastern) job at Equity Bank should apply using the Apply Now button below. This role is ideal for experienced banking professionals looking for manager-level SME banking jobs in Kenya with regional leadership responsibility.

Equity Bank Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to integrity, diversity, and sustainable growth.