Managing Director at a CBN-regulated Finance Company - Novella Africa Limited

Novella Africa Limited - Our client, a CBN-regulated Finance company, is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Managing Director

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Managing Director is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, direction, and management of the company.
• The MD ensures that the company operates in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks, achieves its financial and social objectives, and fosters sustainable growth while upholding sound corporate governance practices.

Responsibilities
Corporate Strategy & Performance:

• Collaborate with the Board to define and implement long-term strategy, aligned to the company’s vision and Group objectives.
• Lead execution of strategy, ensuring alignment across business units, shared services, and the Group’s portfolio companies.
• Drive corporate performance against key parameters: profitability, revenue growth, deposits, loan portfolio quality, customer acquisition, Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and Digital marketing services

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

• Establish and maintain robust governance structures, systems, and operational processes.
• Ensure full compliance with CBN and other regulatory requirements, meeting all “fit and proper” criteria.
• Lead enterprise-wide risk management practices, proactively assessing systemic risks and monitoring mitigation effectiveness.
• Provide regular, transparent reporting to the Board and regulators.
• Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement.
• Proactively build and sustain strong relationships with the Board, regulators, customers, partners, vendors, and the wider community.
• Serve as the company's representative with regulators, industry bodies, and external stakeholders, ensuring trust, cooperation, and license to operate.

Digital & Innovation Strategy:

• Drive digital transformation and leverage technology to expand financial inclusion, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience.
• Champion innovation initiatives that strengthen competitiveness and sustain growth.

Leadership & Culture:

• Provide strategic oversight of daily operations through the executive team.
• Build and maintain a high-performance, ethical, and customer-centric culture.
• Ensure optimal talent resourcing, capability development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire management staff to deliver on organizational objectives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university (minimum)
• Advanced Degree in Finance, Economics, or Business (MBA/M.Sc. preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and banking software/tools.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills.
• Excellent financial and risk management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and corporate governance.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Track record of innovation and driving business growth.
• High ethical standards and commitment to social impact.
• Integrity, independence, and a proactive approach to work.

Requirements:

• Must meet CBN’s Fit and Proper requirements for MD/CEO of a Financial Institution.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant financial services experience, including at least 5 years in Executive Management in Microfinance, Fintech, or Commercial Banking.
• Participation in recognized executive leadership programs (e.g., LBS, INSEAD, Harvard) is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: recruitment@novellaafrica.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.