Head of Trade Finance Operations
National Bank of Oman · Muscat, Masqaţ, Oman
- On site
- Full-time
- OMR 150,000 / year
- Muscat, Masqaţ, Oman
Job highlights
- Lead trade finance operations and process simplification.
- Manage a team for high-quality service delivery.
- Drive transformational projects and stakeholder engagement.
- Ensure compliance, controls, and operational efficiency.
- Develop trade products and customer relationships.
About the role
Job Purpose
Prepare business cases for desired solutions to streamlining complex processes. Identify and leverage the potential of the team towards process simplification. To manage all activities coming under the purview of the trade services section and to support the business of Corporate Banking and other units such as Business Banking, SME, Government, as well as the Financial Institutions Group. Work closely with the Head of Credit Administration/Credit Risk Management unit for achieving the bank's objectives/plans for Trade Services.
Key Tasks and Duties
- Ensure high-quality service delivery to customers.
- Manage the staff assigned to the level determined by senior management.
- Provide guidance on technical matters relating to trade and offer advisory services to internal and external customers.
- Conduct gap analysis activities and identify areas of focus. Subsequently, reimagine processes and establish future-state process workflows.
- Actively participate in transformational projects: draft requirements, prepare test scenarios, manage user acceptance testing, and oversee the transition between changes.
- Manage stakeholders and resources for the execution of transformation projects, including prioritizing human resource allocation (ITD), financial resource allocation, and interdependencies.
- Develop and maintain systems for "measure-to-manage" showing processing performance.
- Attend to audit queries and compliance matters related to Corporate Banking and FIG.
- Handle training sessions for TSS staff, other departments of the Bank, and corporate clients on trade finance.
- Provide effective leadership to the Trade Service Unit and motivate & develop resources.
- Support the business group for any new trade product for Corporate Customers as well as FIG.
- Ensure controls are in place for proactively reduced operational losses and errors.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate all resources of the unit to maintain and further improve efficiency.
- Review unit activities and processes periodically.
- Review and recommend required changes to guarantee texts, agreements, and various other documents to protect the bank from possible losses.
- Monitor staff performance and provide guidance and leadership.
- Review products, processes, and people to achieve the Bank’s overall strategy.
- Ensure adequate checking/authorization of trade transactions and be accountable for accuracy and speed of service delivery.
- Maintain close customer contacts and deepen relationships.
- Ensure Maker and Checker concept is implemented.
- Put in place an operational framework to proactively detect potential operational errors and losses.
- Generate monthly and weekly MIS on findings related to key operational controls/actual activities to ensure they are conducted correctly.
- Ensure monthly team meetings are held with unit team members with clear action points.
Key skills/competency
- Trade Finance Operations
- Process Improvement
- Team Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Customer Relationship Management
- Trade Products
- Leadership
- Operational Efficiency
Skills & topics
- Head of Trade Finance Operations
- Trade Finance
- Operations Management
- Process Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Banking
- Financial Services
- ICC Rules
- CDCS
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Oman
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years in Trade Operations, expertise in trade products, and knowledge of ICC rules.
- Showcase leadership skills: Emphasize your people management, advisory, and team development experience.
- Demonstrate technical expertise: Detail your understanding of trade finance systems, CBO, and internal guidelines.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with process streamlining, transformational projects, and audit/compliance matters.
- Highlight qualifications: Ensure your Master's degree and CDCS certification are prominent.
Technical preparation
Master trade finance products and ICC rules.,Understand CBO and internal bank guidelines.,Familiarize with bank systems and procedures.,Practice analyzing processes and identifying gaps.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex process you streamlined.,How do you motivate and develop a team?,Share an experience managing transformational projects.,How do you handle audit queries and compliance?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key qualifications for the Head of Trade Finance Operations at National Bank of Oman?
- The Head of Trade Finance Operations at National Bank of Oman requires a Master's degree, CDCS qualification, and at least 10 years of experience in Trade Operations and Trade Sales. A strong understanding of trade products, ICC rules, CBO guidelines, and excellent relationship skills are essential.
- What is the primary responsibility of the Head of Trade Finance Operations role?
- The primary responsibility is to manage all activities within the trade services section, streamline complex processes, support various business units, and ensure high-quality service delivery while leading and developing the assigned team.
- Does the Head of Trade Finance Operations role involve managing a team?
- Yes, a significant part of the role involves managing the staff assigned to the trade services section, providing guidance, monitoring performance, and developing team resources to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
- What kind of projects will the Head of Trade Finance Operations be involved in?
- The role involves active participation in transformational projects, including drafting requirements, preparing test scenarios, managing user acceptance testing, and overseeing the transition to new processes and systems.
- Is knowledge of international trade rules important for this position?
- Yes, up-to-date knowledge of ICC rules/guidelines is crucial for the Head of Trade Finance Operations, as it directly impacts the advisory services, transaction accuracy, and compliance aspects of the role.
- What skills are essential for success in this Head of Trade Finance Operations role?
- Essential skills include effective written and verbal communication, strong organizational abilities, people management, problem-solving, technical banking knowledge of the bank's systems, and excellent analytical skills.
- Is Arabic language proficiency required for the Head of Trade Finance Operations position?
- While not explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement, Arabic is listed as an advantage, suggesting it could be beneficial for communication and relationship-building within the Omani context.