π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Acquisition Relationship Manager-SME-Sales
πΉ Company: Kotak Mahindra Group
πΉ Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
πΉ Job Type: Full time
πΉ Category: Banking
πΉ Date Posted: April 9, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Acquiring new customers in the SME segment for Kotak's Wholesale Banking division
- Offering a wide range of banking solutions, including asset-based and non-asset-based funding, transaction banking, trade finance, and treasury services
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners for lead origination and customer onboarding
- Ensuring compliance with bank audits and statutory requirements
- Providing a seamless and pleasant onboarding experience for new customers
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SME banking products and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with customers and internal teams.
π Key Responsibilities
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Acquire new customers in the SME segment by offering a range of banking solutions
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Collaborate with internal teams and external partners for lead origination and customer onboarding
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Understand customer business models and appraise financials to identify suitable opportunities
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Engage with credit and risk functions, legal and technical teams, and other relevant departments for seamless customer onboarding
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Ensure closure of deferrals and compliance with bank audits and statutory requirements
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Provide a pleasant onboarding experience for new customers and facilitate a smooth transition to the portfolio team
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of sales, relationship management, and project management skills. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this position.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Chartered Accountant or MBA
Experience: 2-10 years of relevant experience in SME banking or a related field
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of various SME banking products
- Analytical and financial skills
- Ability to influence and manage relationships
- Strong communication (written and oral) and attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a similar role within the banking industry
- Fluency in regional languages (e.g., Telugu, Hindi)
ASSUMPTION: While the role requires specific educational qualifications, relevant experience and skills are equally important for success in this position.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: INR 8-12 lakhs per annum (estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level banking role in Hyderabad)
Benefits:
- Medical insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Employee stock options
- Performance-based bonuses
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard banking hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and negotiation skills.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Banking
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (one of India's leading banks)
Founded: 1985
Company Description:
- Kotak Mahindra Group is a leading financial services conglomerate in India, offering a wide range of services, including banking, capital markets, stock broking, mutual funds, life insurance, and investment banking
- The group has a strong presence in India and internationally, with offices in London, New York, California, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Singapore
- Kotak Mahindra Bank is the flagship company of the group, and it received a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India in 2003
Company Specialties:
- Banking
- Capital Markets
- Stock Broking
- Mutual Funds
- Life Insurance
- Investment Banking
Company Website: http://www.kotak.com
ASSUMPTION: Kotak Mahindra Group is a well-established and reputable financial institution with a strong presence in India and internationally. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and challenging environment within the banking industry.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (Manager/Senior Manager/Chief Manager)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the SME Business Head and works closely with various internal teams, such as credit and risk functions, legal and technical teams, and the customer acquisition and due diligence (CAD) team
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard banking hours
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior roles within the SME business or other divisions of Kotak Mahindra Group
- Expansion of responsibilities and team leadership opportunities
- International exposure and career growth within the group's global offices
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to advance within the SME business or explore other career paths within the Kotak Mahindra Group.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with a professional and collaborative work culture
Office Location(s): Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Geographic Context:
- Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana and the fourth most populous city in India
- The city is known for its historical sites, cultural attractions, and a growing IT industry
- Hyderabad offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities, with a reasonable cost of living compared to other major Indian cities
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break
ASSUMPTION: Hyderabad offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with a mix of traditional and modern amenities that cater to various lifestyle preferences.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference verification
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of SME banking products and services
- Sales and relationship management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, sales experience, and ability to build relationships
- Research Kotak Mahindra Group and the SME banking industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: SME, banking, sales, relationship management, customer acquisition, credit appraisal, lead generation, cross-selling, attention to detail, analytical skills, communication skills
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should focus on demonstrating their relevant experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the position.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Financial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, financial software)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in using CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant tools for sales, project management, and financial analysis.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centricity
- Integrity and ethical conduct
- Excellence in everything we do
- Respect for individuals and diversity
- Collaboration and teamwork
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of SME banking products and services?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic sales environment?
- Do you possess strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills?
- Are you able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: Kotak Mahindra Group values a customer-centric approach, integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration, and teamwork. Candidates should assess their fit with these values and work style preferences before applying.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Competitive sales environment with targets and performance metrics
- Dealing with diverse customer needs and expectations
- Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
- Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Working with a wide range of internal teams and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong sales, relationship management, and project management skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other sales and relationship management roles in the banking industry, this position focuses specifically on the SME segment and offers a wide range of banking solutions
- Industry-specific context: The SME segment is a fast-growing vertical within Kotak's Wholesale Banking division, with a base of 3,000+ customers
- Career path comparison: This role offers growth opportunities within the SME business or other divisions of Kotak Mahindra Group, with the potential to advance to senior roles
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within Kotak Mahindra Group's Wholesale Banking division, focusing on the SME segment and offering a wide range of banking solutions. Candidates should consider their fit with the specific requirements and growth opportunities of this role.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a targeted customer acquisition strategy for a specific SME sub-segment
- Collaborating with internal teams to streamline the customer onboarding process and improve customer satisfaction
- Identifying and pursuing strategic partnerships with external organizations to expand Kotak's reach within the SME segment
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that candidates may undertake in this role, focusing on customer acquisition, relationship management, and strategic partnerships.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical customer profile for the SME segment that this role focuses on?
- How does this role collaborate with other internal teams and external partners to achieve common goals?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured and tracked?
- What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the SME business or other divisions of Kotak Mahindra Group?
- How does Kotak Mahindra Group support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role's requirements, the work environment, and the opportunities for professional growth and development within Kotak Mahindra Group.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Kotak Additional Career Site
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, including your understanding of SME banking products and services, sales and relationship management experience, and analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, sales experience, and ability to build relationships
- Research Kotak Mahindra Group and the SME banking industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and confirm receipt of your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.