Head, Chinese Desk – Commercial Banking

Job Title: Head, Chinese Desk – Commercial Banking

Location: Lagos, Nigeria (Relocation Support and Visa sponsorship Available)

Industry: Banking

Job Summary:

A leading Nigerian bank is seeking an experienced and commercially driven professional to lead its Chinese Desk within the Commercial Banking Division.

We are looking for a Mandarin-speaking banking professional with strong experience managing relationships within the Chinese business community, including SMEs, corporates, import/export businesses, manufacturers, and cross-border trade stakeholders.

Candidates currently based in China or with extensive experience working with Chinese enterprises across Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage strategic relationships with Chinese businesses and corporate clients operating in Nigeria and across Africa.
• Drive business development, customer acquisition, and portfolio growth within the Chinese Desk.
• Promote the bank's commercial banking solutions, including deposits, loans, trade finance, and transaction banking services.
• Identify and onboard new Chinese SME and corporate clients.
• Serve as the primary relationship lead between Chinese clients and internal banking stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure smooth transaction execution and operational excellence.
• Develop and execute Go-To-Market strategies targeted at the Chinese business ecosystem.
• Monitor market trends, opportunities, and developments within China-Africa trade and investment corridors.
• Represent the bank at business forums, networking events, and industry engagements related to Chinese enterprises and cross-border commerce.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years professional experience, preferably within commercial banking, corporate banking, or financial services.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• Strong relationship management and business development experience.
• Experience working with Chinese corporates, SMEs, manufacturing firms, import/export businesses, or China-Africa business networks is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial banking products and corporate finance solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to relocate and work full-time in Lagos, Nigeria.

Preferred Skills

• Strong understanding of commercial banking and corporate finance.
• Strategic thinking and market expansion capability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.