PETER KARANJA WANGAI
SME RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Meru
Summary
Dynamic SME Relationship Manager at ABSA Bank Kenya PLC with a proven track record in portfolio management and client acquisition. Expert in developing tailored financial solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth. Recognized for building strong relationships and achieving sales targets through effective communication and strategic planning.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
SME RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
ABSA BANK KENYA PLC
Meru
01.2025 - Current
- Participated in networking events and industry conferences to maintain strong connections within the SME community.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of small-to-medium enterprises, ensuring optimal risk management and profitability.
- Assisted in developing annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans for the SME division within the organization.
- Facilitated successful business expansions by guiding clients through the process of obtaining additional funding or resources.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify new business opportunities within the SME sector.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline internal processes for improved efficiency in client servicing.
- Developed strong rapport with clients through regular communication, timely responses, and proactive updates on their accounts.
- Built long-lasting partnerships with key stakeholders such as local chambers of commerce, government agencies, and industry associations to further promote the bank''s SME offerings.
- Enhanced client satisfaction levels by regularly reviewing account performance and recommending improvements where necessary.
- Implemented targeted marketing campaigns that successfully attracted new clients and expanded the existing customer base.
- Designed customized financing solutions that met clients'' unique business requirements and financial objectives.
- Optimized portfolio performance by closely monitoring account activities and proactively addressing potential issues or risks.
- Strengthened client relationships by actively listening to their needs and providing tailored financial solutions.
- Negotiated favorable terms with lenders on behalf of clients, securing competitive interest rates and repayment schedules.
- Delivered informative presentations on various financial products and services, helping clients make informed decisions about their businesses'' growth strategies.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge on industry trends, products, and regulations to provide clients with accurate and up-to-date advice.
- Coordinated with legal teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements during contract negotiations and loan disbursements.
- Achieved goals for sale of bank products and services and exceeded performance metrics for customer service.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Developed and cultivated lucrative relationships with both new and existing clients through effective communication and exemplary interpersonal skills.
- Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients while providing high level of expertise.
- Maintained knowledge on banking products and distribution to provide optimal service support.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Communicated regularly with clients to understand needs, evaluate current product use and cross-sell new products.
UNIVERSAL BANKER-SME AND PERSONALBANKER
ABSA BANK KENYA PLC
Maua And Kericho
04.2017 - 12.2024
- Educated customers on various banking products and services, empowering them to make informed financial decisions aligned with their personal goals.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve branch performance metrics, fostering a positive work environment.
- Enhanced cross-selling capabilities by offering tailored financial products and services to existing clients.
- Adhered to established security procedures and reported potential fraud or safety violations to management for immediate recourse.
- Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
- Resolved complex customer issues efficiently, collaborating with relevant departments when necessary for prompt resolution of problems encountered during banking transactions.
- Opened checking, savings, money market and certificates of deposit accounts and ordered checks, debit cards and furnished online banking details to facilitate new transactions.
- Managed risk effectively by adhering to established security protocols and diligently monitoring suspicious activities or transactions.
- Maintained accuracy in daily transaction reporting, reconciling discrepancies promptly to ensure seamless accounting operations within the branch.
- Trained and mentored junior banking staff to maximize performance, efficiency, and compliance.
- Increased referral rates by forging strong connections with customers and identifying potential business development opportunities.
- Assisted branch manager in meeting sales targets by executing various marketing strategies and initiatives.
- Contributed to a high-performing team culture by actively participating in training sessions, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Displayed knowledge and proficiency in explaining, selling and administering products and referred customers to appropriate resources for enhanced services.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized banking solutions and addressing client needs promptly.
- Delivered comprehensive financial guidance through regular consultations with clients, cultivating trust and loyalty over time.
- Strengthened customer relationships with proactive communication and timely resolution of queries or concerns.
- Managed escalated phone calls by applying conflict resolutions skills and extensive knowledge of bank policies, products, and services.
- Provided exceptional service through accurate and efficient management of teller line duties while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Conducted thorough customer assessments to identify opportunities for upselling or targeting specific financial goals.
- Identified customer financial needs through in-person efforts, cold calls, referrals, and marketing while providing strong product knowledge and quality service.
- Educated customers on features and benefits of banking products and services.
- Developed and maintained strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service and advice.
- Opened, closed, and updated accounts for customers.
- Educated customers on online banking and mobile banking applications.
- Assisted customers with banking needs and inquiries.
- Cross-sold credit cards, loans and other bank products.
- Established rapport with new clients to increase satisfaction and loyalty.
- Processed applications for new accounts.
- Trained new hires on customer service policies and procedures.
CASHIER
BARCLAYS BANK OF KENYA LIMITED
01.2012 - 04.2017
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
- Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
- Reduced processing errors by meticulously following transaction procedures.
- Boosted team efficiency, shared best practices in cash handling and customer interaction.
- Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
- Managed cash drawer accurately, ensuring all transactions balanced at end of day.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
LEAD GENERATOR
BARCLAYS BANK OF KENYA LIMITED
07.2009 - 12.2011
- Generated high-quality leads by researching and identifying potential clients through various online platforms.
- Delivered consistent results by setting achievable goals and working diligently towards achieving them each month.
- Implemented data-driven approaches to identify trends in lead generation efforts, optimizing tactics for better results over time.
- Developed and maintained lasting customer relationships through quick turnaround and strong communication skills.
- Scheduled sales appointments to discuss products and services and to close qualified leads.
- Called potential customers from marketing lists and referral programs to engage and discuss personal needs.
- Cultivated trust with prospects through consistent follow-up communication and relationship-building tactics, leading to higher conversion rates over time.
- Developed strong rapport with potential clients, fostering long-lasting relationships and repeat business opportunities.
- Established credibility as an industry expert, attending networking events to maintain connections and generate new leads.
- Improved response rates through personalized email templates tailored specifically for each prospect''s needs and interests.
- Expanded the company''s reach into new markets by identifying potential clients in untapped industries, resulting in a more diverse client base and increased revenue opportunities.
- Met or exceeded monthly sales goals by using dynamic interpersonal and tried and true persuasion skills.
- Assisted in refining the sales pitch based on feedback from prospects, resulting in a more persuasive approach when reaching out to potential clients.
- Increased conversion rate with targeted outreach strategies, including email campaigns and cold calling.
- Stayed up-to-date on best practices in lead generation strategies by participating in industry forums and engaging with thought leaders, continuously improving personal performance.
- Maintained a high level of knowledge about industry trends by regularly reading news articles and attending relevant webinars or conferences related to the field of work.
- Set up appointments with interested customers according to schedule availability.
- Utilized sales techniques to build customer interest and close sales.
- Overcame objections using friendly, persuasive strategies.
- Educated customers on product and service benefits, explaining features and answering questions.
- Pitched products and services to potential customers, securing new deals and sales opportunities.
- Followed up with customers to confirm satisfaction with purchases and resolve last-minute issues.
- Negotiated pricing and payment terms with customers when possible to close deals.
- Asked relevant questions to assist customers with selecting needed or requested products and services.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop and execute promotional strategies.
Education
Data Science
RB Foundational Finance
2023
Enterprise Risk Management Framework Foundation
2023
RB Foundational Credit
2023
Accounting And Financial Statements Analysis -
2023
Data Quality Management
2015
Money Laundering Advanced Level
2014
Kenya Complaints Handling Accreditation
2013
Skills
Portfolio management
Credit assessment
Customer service
Time management
Team leadership
Customer relationships
Banking
Service support
Excellent communication
Relationship building and management
Cash handling
Sales reporting
Product knowledge
Critical thinking
Relationship management
Written and verbal communication
Attention to detail
Customer relationship management
Public speaking
New business generation
Relationship building
Client engagement
Client acquisition
Analytical problem solving
New business development
Account management
Sales proficiency
Customer education and consulting
Business development
Portfolio growth
Customer portfolio management
Business relationship cultivation
Business development and planning
Client relationship management
Additional Information
REFEREES
Mr Julius Mwakisha
Branch Manager Absa Limuru Branch
+254726066303
Mr Munyao Nthuli
SME Portfolio Manager
Retail and Business Banking
+254725919329
Mr Nelson Muthondu
Senior Branch manager
Absa Bank Kenya PLC
+254728960166
Timeline
SME RELATIONSHIP MANAGER - ABSA BANK KENYA PLC
01.2025 - Current
UNIVERSAL BANKER-SME AND PERSONALBANKER - ABSA BANK KENYA PLC
04.2017 - 12.2024
CASHIER - BARCLAYS BANK OF KENYA LIMITED
01.2012 - 04.2017
LEAD GENERATOR - BARCLAYS BANK OF KENYA LIMITED
07.2009 - 12.2011
ALX FOUNDATION - , Data Science
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , RB Foundational Finance
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , Enterprise Risk Management Framework Foundation
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , RB Foundational Credit
UDEMY - Accounting And Financial Statements Analysis,
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , Data Quality Management
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , Money Laundering Advanced Level
ABSA DIGITAL CAMPUS - , Kenya Complaints Handling Accreditation