F & I Department Manager

• Our client is seeking an experienced F&I Department Manager to join their team. The successful candidate will oversee daily departmental operations, credit and risk management, collections, compliance, and team performance, while ensuring efficient processes, strong portfolio management, and alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Job Description :

Departmental Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Manage departmental risk, including arrears, defaults, recoveries, and compliance requirements.
• Provide ongoing training, guidance, and support to new staff members.
• Oversee both internally managed (OEM self-funded) and externally managed (Sinosure-funded) books, monitoring exposure, pending approvals, and available limits for South African and cross-border clients.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to optimize processes, strengthen controls, and ensure compliance.

Credit and Risk Management

• Perform senior credit analyst functions, including credit risk assessments, financial analysis, bank statement analysis, credit scoring, client risk grading, and risk mitigation.
• Manage credit limits, approvals, portfolio reviews, and the monitoring of portfolio performance and emerging trends.
• Implement a flexible credit assessment process tailored to individual client requirements, including the translation of documentation and currency conversions where necessary.
• Submit the initial term sheet for new transactions, together with supporting documentation, to secure formal approval and establish the applicable conditions of grant.
• Prepare and issue approval letters to clients.
• Compile, analyse, and present comprehensive performance reports to the Executive Committee, providing clear visibility of departmental achievements, operational challenges, and opportunities for strategic improvement.
• Collaborate with the Sales team by participating in weekly sales meetings to review new opportunities, monitor the progress of pending transactions, and provide guidance on optimal deal structuring.
• Support Sales teams during strategic client visits by providing expert credit and risk guidance.

Collections and Debtors Management

• Oversee debtor management, collections, and allocations to ensure timely payments and minimize bad debt exposure.
• Manage interim financial assistance activities, including debit order loading, account reconciliations, submission of monthly client statements, and preparation of weekly and monthly reports.
• Facilitate structured collection processes and payment arrangements through regular meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor arrears trends, implement proactive recovery strategies, and provide executive reporting on debtor book performance.
• Drive continuous process improvements and advocate for appropriate resources to strengthen collections efficiency, controls, and oversight.

Legal and Compliance

• Supervise legal processes, including client communications, repossession procedures, and correspondence with attorneys.
• Ensure compliance with contractual documentation requirements and security registrations.
• Manage validations and fulfilment processes, ensuring all contractual and supporting documentation meets required compliance standards and that monthly covenants are fulfilled.
• Maintain audit readiness through effective management of registers, files, and supporting documentation required for compliance reviews and audits.

Asset Management

• Oversee vehicle and asset management activities, including registrations, tracking services, and security requirements.
• Conduct audits of financed assets on an as-needed basis.
• Manage the release process for NATIS documents and maintain accurate records.
• Procurement and Payment Functions

Procurement Oversight

• Manage procurement requests (PRs) and purchase orders (POs), ensuring compliance with company approval processes and procedures.
• Payment Submission
• Oversee the submission of PRs and POs to facilitate timely vendor payments, liaising with Finance and Procurement teams as required.

Vendor Engagement

• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve queries, ensure contractual compliance, and maintain effective and professional vendor relationships.

Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the team, including development planning and the fair redistribution of responsibilities following staffing changes.
• Design and implement incentive frameworks that promote fairness, transparency, employee engagement, and alignment with company objectives.
• Develop succession planning and business continuity strategies to ensure operational continuity during staffing transitions.

Strategic Engagement

• Conduct industry research to remain informed of market trends, regulatory developments, and changing market conditions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, and other departments to ensure alignment with broader company strategies and objectives.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external financial institutions where applicable.
• Liaise with customers and dealers to resolve queries, address concerns, and maintain strong business relationships.
• Drive departmental revenue growth through new business opportunities, pricing optimization, and cost-saving initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators

• Provide constructive support to management and foster positive working relationships within the department.
• Manage workload effectively while maintaining high standards of accuracy, accountability, and work ethic.
• Build and maintain effective communication channels with internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively participate in relevant training and development programs.
• Continuously enhance knowledge and skills within the team.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Health and Safety regulations.
• Adhere strictly to company policies, procedures, controls, and asset management protocols.
• Maintain organized housekeeping, filing, and record-keeping systems.
• Demonstrate effective time management and prioritization skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric Certificate.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role.
• Experience in managing cross-border finance and compliance frameworks.
• Valid Code 8 driver's licence.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align departmental objectives with broader company goals.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in reading and writing English.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor teams.
• Sound knowledge of compliance requirements, legal documentation, and audit readiness.