The Deal Manager plays a critical role in the structured trade and commodity finance environment, specifically within agricultural commodities. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of structured deals, ensuring transactions are accurately validated, processed, monitored, and reconciled in line with credit approvals, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards.

The Deal Manager acts as the key link between front office teams and internal operational, risk, legal, finance, and infrastructure stakeholders. The role ensures seamless execution of deals, strong risk management, and a smooth client experience from transaction initiation through to closure.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the Deal Manager is to ensure efficient execution, monitoring, and control of structured commodity finance transactions. This includes validating transactions for processing, managing contractual conditions, monitoring collateral and stock positions, supporting funding activities, and ensuring accurate financial and risk reporting throughout the deal lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Lifecycle Management

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of structured trade and commodity finance transactions
• Ensure all transactions are validated and meet “fit for processing” requirements
• Track deal milestones and ensure all checklists and trackers are properly maintained
• Monitor transaction timelines and escalate any breaches or delays in conditions precedent

Conditions Precedent and Compliance Control

• Ensure all Standard and Non-Standard Conditions Precedent are fully documented
• Track due dates and ensure timely fulfilment of all contractual obligations
• Escalate and document any missed, delayed, or breached conditions at transaction level
• Ensure all deals comply with regulatory, legal, and internal governance standards

Transaction Monitoring and Risk Oversight

• Monitor stock positions, futures, and forward contracts for each transaction
• Ensure proper tracking and reconciliation of collateral and commodity positions
• Manage and oversee third-party service providers such as collateral managers and storage agents
• Identify risks early and ensure timely escalation and resolution

Client Execution and Deal Processing

• Process client drawdowns, including financial calculations aligned with product approval terms
• Execute funding within agreed service level agreements (SLAs)
• Manage stock intake, releases, swaps, buybacks, and deliveries on relevant exchanges
• Support stock movements, deposits, and related operational requirements throughout deal execution

Financial Accounting and Reconciliation

• Perform daily, weekly, and month-end reconciliations of stock, VAT, and debtor accounts
• Review financial exposures and ensure accurate system recording of all transactions
• Ensure correct allocation of interest and cost centres
• Monitor financial accuracy and ensure timely closure of outstanding reconciliation items

Limit and Exposure Management

• Monitor and manage credit and transactional limits in accordance with approvals
• Ensure all exposures remain within approved risk appetite and credit frameworks
• Highlight and escalate any limit breaches or potential exposure risks

Front Office and Stakeholder Support

• Provide operational support to front office teams during deal structuring and implementation
• Ensure new deals are operationally feasible before execution
• Collaborate closely with credit, legal, risk, finance, and product teams
• Maintain strong communication with internal and external stakeholders

Risk Management and Control Environment

• Maintain strong adherence to internal control frameworks and regulatory requirements
• Monitor Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and provide regular reporting and feedback
• Log and escalate risk events, fraud cases, and operational errors
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement preventative control measures

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare ad hoc reports and provide detailed information to stakeholders as required
• Support internal and external audit processes with accurate documentation
• Maintain clear records management and ensure compliance with documentation standards

Business Continuity and Operational Support

• Support business continuity initiatives across the structured commodity finance function
• Assist other operational areas when required to ensure service continuity
• Participate in change management initiatives, system testing, and project implementation

Innovation and Process Improvement

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and controls
• Promote automation and enhancement of existing processes
• Contribute to system and process improvements through testing and feedback

Stakeholder Collaboration

The Deal Manager works closely with multiple internal stakeholders including finance, treasury, credit risk, legal, transaction management, product teams, and audit functions. Strong collaboration ensures smooth deal execution, compliance adherence, and effective risk mitigation across all structured finance transactions.

Skills and Experience Required

• Strong understanding of structured trade and commodity finance
• Experience in agricultural commodity markets and related financial instruments
• Solid accounting and reconciliation skills
• Knowledge of deal structuring, credit processes, and transaction lifecycle management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk awareness abilities
• Proficiency in MS Office and financial reporting tools
• Minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in structured finance, trade finance, or related banking roles

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong time management and prioritisation abilities
• Analytical thinking and commercial awareness
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce or related field, or relevant diploma at NQF Level 6
• Additional qualifications in trade finance, structured finance, or commodity markets will be an advantage

Equal Opportunity Commitment

This role is offered within an inclusive and equal opportunity environment that values diversity and fairness. Recruitment decisions are based on merit, experience, and alignment with organisational needs. The organisation reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment for the advertised Deal Manager position.