Area Business Manager-Acquisition-AGRI-FIN-PROJECTS (AF)-Marketing Branches Operations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Area Business Manager - Acquisition - AGRI-FIN-PROJECTS (AF) - Marketing Branches Operations

🔹 Company: Kotak Mahindra Bank

🔹 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

🔹 Job Type: Full Time

🔹 Category: Banking

🔹 Date Posted: June 18, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing a team of acquisitions managers to grow the customer portfolio in the Agri SME space.
• Deepening relationships with existing customers through cross-selling liability and other third-party products.
• Monitoring accounts to ensure portfolio hygiene, timely closure of post-disbursement deferrals, and security perfection.
• Collaborating with internal teams, such as credit and risk, legal and technical, RCAD, and GR, to meet customer requirements.
• Improving operational efficiency by monitoring and suggesting process improvements based on ground reality and market trends.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the local market and the ability to quickly recruit quality team members. It also involves managing a significant portfolio of customers, so excellent leadership and relationship management skills are crucial.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage a team of acquisitions managers to grow the customer portfolio in the Agri SME space.

✅ Offer loan products, including working capital (fund-based/non-fund-based) and term loan facilities, to customers in line with their requirements.

✅ Build a strong and robust customer base to increase both assets and liabilities and earn revenue by providing high standards of service on an ongoing basis.

✅ Deepen relationships with existing customers through cross-selling liability and other third-party products.

✅ Regularly monitor accounts to ensure there are no delinquencies, maintain portfolio hygiene, and close post-disbursement deferrals in a timely manner.

✅ Engage with credit and risk functions, legal and technical teams, RCAD, and GR teams for customer requirements and collaborate with internal bank channels to deepen the customer base.

✅ Improve operational efficiency by monitoring and suggesting improvements in processes based on ground reality and market trends.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of customer interaction and requires strong communication and relationship management skills. It also demands a solid understanding of credit risk management and the ability to work effectively with various internal teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: CA / Post Graduate Diploma / Post Graduate in Banking and Finance / Commerce etc.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of SME funding and portfolio management work experience

Required Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Relationship management skills
• Leadership skills
• Local market knowledge (preferred)

Preferred Skills:

• Acceptable knowledge of respective geography

ASSUMPTION: While local market knowledge is not a strict requirement, it would be an added advantage for this role due to the nature of the customer base and the need to quickly recruit quality team members.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 15-20 lakhs per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Employee stock options
• Performance-based bonuses

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for overtime as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the banking sector in Chennai. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (One of India's leading banks offering a wide range of financial services)

Founded: 1985 (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Company Description:

• Kotak Mahindra Group is a leading financial services conglomerate in India, established in 1985.
• In 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. received a banking license and became Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• The Group offers a wide range of financial services, including commercial banking, stock broking, mutual funds, life insurance, and investment banking.

Company Specialties:

• Banking
• Capital Markets
• Stock Broking
• Mutual Funds
• Life Insurance
• Investment Banking

Company Website: http://www.kotak.com

ASSUMPTION: Kotak Mahindra Bank is a well-established financial institution with a strong presence in India and internationally. It offers a wide range of career opportunities and benefits to its employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management (Grade – M5 / M6 – Chief Manager/ AVP)

Reporting Structure: This role involves managing a team of acquisitions managers and reporting to the respective business head.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior management roles within the Agri Business Group or other business verticals.
• Expansion of responsibilities and team size based on performance and business growth.
• Cross-functional opportunities within the Kotak Mahindra Group.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, given the Group's size and diverse range of business verticals.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment

Office Location(s): Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Geographic Context:

• Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, located in southern India.
• The city is a major commercial and cultural center, with a diverse economy driven by industries such as automobile, healthcare, and information technology.
• Chennai offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities, with a rich cultural heritage and a growing urban infrastructure.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with the possibility of weekend work based on business needs

ASSUMPTION: Chennai offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with a mix of traditional and modern cultural influences. The city's diverse economy provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• Technical assessment (if applicable)
• Face-to-face interviews with hiring managers and team members
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Relationship management and customer focus
• Leadership and team management skills
• Credit risk management and decision-making abilities
• Understanding of the local market and customer base

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in SME funding and portfolio management
• Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills in your resume and cover letter
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on relationship management, customer service, and credit risk management
• Research Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Agri Business Group to showcase your understanding of the company and its business verticals

ATS Keywords: SME funding, portfolio management, customer relationship management, credit risk management, team management, local market knowledge, banking, financial services

ASSUMPTION: Kotak Mahindra Bank's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the role and the organization. Applicants should prepare thoroughly and demonstrate their relevant experience and abilities throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Banking software and systems (e.g., core banking, loan origination, and customer relationship management platforms)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on the candidate's team and the projects they work on. However, a strong working knowledge of banking software and Microsoft Office Suite is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity
• Integrity and ethics
• Excellence and continuous improvement
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability and ownership

Work Style:

• Results-driven and performance-oriented
• Collaborative and team-focused
• Adaptable and open to change
• Customer-focused and service-oriented
• Analytical and data-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong customer relationships in the SME space?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with the ability to adapt to change and manage multiple priorities?
• Do you possess strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate your team members to achieve their best?
• Are you committed to delivering exceptional customer service and exceeding customer expectations?

ASSUMPTION: Kotak Mahindra Bank values a strong work ethic, customer focus, and a results-driven approach. Candidates who demonstrate these qualities and align with the company's values are more likely to succeed in the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large portfolio of customers in a competitive market
• Balancing the need to grow the customer base with maintaining portfolio hygiene and minimizing credit risk
• Adapting to changes in market conditions and regulatory requirements
• Working effectively with various internal teams and stakeholders to meet customer requirements
• Managing a team of acquisitions managers and ensuring their performance and development

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing a large portfolio of customers, balancing growth and risk, and working effectively with various internal teams. Successful candidates will possess strong leadership, relationship management, and credit risk management skills to overcome these challenges.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other area business manager positions in the banking sector, with a focus on customer acquisition, relationship management, and portfolio growth.
• However, this role is unique in its focus on the Agri SME space and the need to manage a team of acquisitions managers to achieve business objectives.
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities, growing the team, or moving into senior management positions within the Agri Business Group or other business verticals.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other area business manager positions in the banking sector, its focus on the Agri SME space and the need to manage a team of acquisitions managers make it a unique opportunity for the right candidate.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a customer acquisition strategy for a specific geographic region or market segment
• Conducting a portfolio review and risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential delinquencies or credit risks
• Collaborating with internal teams to develop and launch new loan products or services tailored to the needs of Agri SME customers

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives and tasks that may be required of the successful candidate in this role. The specific projects and responsibilities may vary based on business needs and priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current customer base and any specific market trends or opportunities in the Agri SME space?
• How does this role fit into the overall strategy of the Agri Business Group, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the team and the business vertical, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Kotak Mahindra Bank support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role and within the Agri Business Group?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the business vertical, and the company's culture and values. Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in and preparation for the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Kotak Mahindra Bank careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in SME funding, portfolio management, and customer relationship management
• Prepare for interview questions focused on your leadership, relationship management, and credit risk management skills, as well as your understanding of the local market and customer base
• Research Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Agri Business Group to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its business verticals
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.