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

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Area Business Manager - Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) - Marketing Branches Operations

🔹 Company: Kotak Mahindra Group

🔹 Location: Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Banking & Finance

🔹 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.
• Building and maintaining strong customer relationships to increase assets and liabilities.
• Collaborating with internal teams to meet customer requirements and improve operational efficiency.
• Monitoring accounts to ensure portfolio hygiene and timely closure of post-disbursement deferrals.
• Deepening customer relationships through cross-selling liability and other third-party products.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the Agri SME sector and the ability to quickly recruit and manage high-quality team members.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage a team of Acquisitions Managers to grow the customer portfolio in the Agri SME space.

✅ Offer loan products (working capital, non-fund based, term loan facilities) in line with customer requirements.

✅ Build and maintain a robust customer base to increase both assets and liabilities.

✅ Deepen customer relationships through cross-selling liability and other third-party products.

✅ Monitor accounts to ensure portfolio hygiene, timely closure of post-disbursement deferrals, and security perfection.

✅ Collaborate with internal teams (Credit & Risk, Legal & Technical, RCAD & GR) to meet customer requirements.

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

ASSUMPTION: This role involves regular travel to meet customers and manage the team.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

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

Required Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Relationship management skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Local market knowledge (preferred).
• Portfolio management skills.
• Team management skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Credit risk management skills.
• Process improvement skills.
• Knowledge of loan products and Agri business.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the local geography and market trends.
• Experience in cross-selling and customer engagement.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the Agri SME sector and a strong understanding of the local market will be preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Medical insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Employee stock options.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Learning and development opportunities.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for travel and customer meetings.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking & Finance

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1985

Company Description:

• Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates.
• It offers a wide range of financial services, including commercial banking, stock broking, mutual funds, life insurance, and investment banking.
• The Group has a wide distribution network through branches and franchisees across India and international offices in various countries.

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 services provider with a strong presence in India and internationally.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid to Senior level management role

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) - Marketing Branches Operations.

Work Arrangement: This role requires regular travel to meet customers and manage the team. The work arrangement is primarily on-site, with flexibility for remote work when required.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior management roles within the Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) division or other divisions within the Group.
• Expansion of the customer portfolio and team size, leading to increased responsibilities and authority.
• Learning and development opportunities, such as training programs and mentorship initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to advance to senior management positions within the Group.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment

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

Geographic Context:

• Salem is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located in western part of the state.
• The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with a significant presence of industries and businesses.
• Salem offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a moderate climate throughout the year.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday to Friday, with flexibility for travel and customer meetings. The role may require working on weekends or public holidays when necessary.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on meeting customer needs and driving business growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission.
• Telephonic or video screening.
• Technical interview with the hiring manager.
• Final interview with the Head of Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) - Marketing Branches Operations.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of the Agri SME sector and local market trends.
• Team management and leadership skills.
• Customer relationship management skills.
• Problem-solving and process improvement skills.

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in the Agri SME sector and local market knowledge.
• Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills in the resume and interview.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to team management, customer relationship management, and process improvement.

ATS Keywords: Agri SME, Portfolio Management, Team Management, Customer Relationship Management, Process Improvement, Loan Products, Cross-selling, Market Trends

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates with relevant experience and strong skills in the required areas will have a higher chance of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM).
• Portfolio management software (e.g., Murex, Finastra).
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello).

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary based on the company's internal systems and processes.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity.
• Integrity.
• Excellence.
• Respect.
• Accountability.

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced.
• Collaborative and team-oriented.
• Focused on meeting customer needs and driving business growth.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong understanding of the Agri SME sector and local market trends?
• Are you an effective team manager and leader, with a proven track record of driving results?
• Do you have strong customer relationship management skills and a customer-centric mindset?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Kotak Mahindra Group's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Building and maintaining strong customer relationships in a competitive market.
• Regular travel requirements to meet customers and manage the team.
• Adapting to the company's internal systems and processes.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective team management, and a customer-centric approach.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Area Business Manager roles within Kotak Mahindra Group and other financial institutions.
• However, this role focuses specifically on the Agri SME sector and requires a strong understanding of the local market.
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior management positions within the Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) division or other divisions within the Group.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for candidates with relevant experience in the Agri SME sector and a strong understanding of the local market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a customer engagement strategy to deepen customer relationships and increase cross-selling opportunities.
• Conducting a market analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the Agri SME sector.
• Improving portfolio management processes to enhance portfolio hygiene and reduce post-disbursement deferrals.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are indicative of the types of initiatives that may be undertaken in this role, and the specific projects may vary based on the company's priorities and business needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall strategy of the Agri-Fin-Projects (AF) division and the Group?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the team and the company, and how can this role address them?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Group?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is it supported in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the company, and to demonstrate the candidate's interest and engagement in the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the online application portal.
• Highlight your relevant experience in the Agri SME sector and local market knowledge in your resume.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to team management, customer relationship management, and process improvement.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within a week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.

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