Group Head, Public Sector Directorate

Job Description

The Group Head – Public Sector is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Public Sector business group. The role ensures sustainable growth, profitability, and market leadership through deep engagement with public sector customers across key segments, including:Federal and State Governments, Other arms of government (Legislature and Judiciary), Government-owned/controlled entities
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Parastatals, Tertiary Institutions, Multilateral Organizations, NNPC

The Group Head drives revenue generation, asset and liability growth, compliance, and service excellence, while supervising Business Managers and Relationship Managers across the Public Sector portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Development
1. Provide strategic leadership and guidance in the execution of all Public Sector business activities across groups and regions.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor strategies to achieve revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.
3. Drive business development by identifying and exploiting opportunities in the Federal, State, and Local Government ecosystem.
4. Identify new business opportunities and prepare and implement plans for growing the client base.
5. Champion cross-selling of banking products including transaction banking, digital solutions, treasury, and lending products.
6. Grow sales of wholesale products and risk assets.

Client & Stakeholder Management
1. Establish and sustain strong relationships with key government stakeholders, regulators, and multilateral partners.
2. Network with key players externally and internally, maintaining high client satisfaction ratings through successful working relationships with clients.
3. Provide specialist financial advice and support to clients within the focused industry portfolio to fulfill their corporate needs.
4. Oversee customer relationship management, ensuring delivery of tailored financial solutions within regulatory guidelines.
5. Develop and maintain a high level of customer relationship management standards across the Group.

Team Leadership & Development
1. Supervise and coordinate Business Managers and Relationship Teams to ensure consistent performance delivery.
2. Build a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, performance reviews, and human capital development.
3. Identify and develop training and recruitment needs for staff development to maintain a competent, skilled, and motivated workforce.

Compliance & Risk Management
1. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk management frameworks.
2. Monitor macroeconomic, political, and regulatory trends, adjusting strategies to mitigate risks and capture emerging opportunities.
3. Maintain information security and compliance with the Bank’s Information Security Handbook.

Reporting & Other Responsibilities
1. Provide timely and accurate management reports to the Executive Director and other senior stakeholders.
2. Promote a strong sales and service culture, ensuring delivery of superior customer experience.
3. Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Experience Needed
1. First degree in any discipline.
2. Higher degree (MBA) or relevant professional certifications (ACIB, CFA, ACCA) is an advantage.
3. Minimum of 13–15 years’ banking experience with significant exposure to the Public Sector.
4. At least 6 years in a senior leadership role.

Key Competency Requirements
1. Strong understanding of the Nigerian public sector landscape, including political systems, budgetary frameworks, and TSA regulations.
2. Banking products and services tailored to public sector clients.
3. Strategic and business planning in complex, politically sensitive environments.
4. Awareness of macroeconomic, political, and policy risks affecting public sector cash flows.
5. Regulatory frameworks governing government transactions and borrowing.

Skills & Competencies
1. Strong leadership, people management, and negotiation skills.
2. Excellent networking and stakeholder management within the public sector.
3. Strategic planning, execution, and risk management expertise.
4. Strong financial analysis, credit structuring, and portfolio management capabilities.
5. Business development and sales leadership.
6. Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills.
7. Ability to manage political and reputational risks while driving business growth.
8. Business advisory and corporate governance expertise.