SME Banking Relationship Manager Job in Lagos, Nigeria

About Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered Bank is an international bank, nimble enough to act and big enough for impact. For more than 160 years, it has worked to make a positive difference for its clients, communities, and each other. The bank questions the status quo, loves a challenge, and enjoys finding new opportunities to grow and do better than before. As a leading international bank, it strives to help people and businesses prosper across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Standard Chartered Bank is now recruiting a Relationship Manager for its SME Banking business in Lagos.

Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job Summary (Lagos)

Standard Chartered Bank is hiring a Relationship Manager, SME Banking in Lagos. This permanent banking job drives revenue growth by onboarding and nurturing relationships with small and medium-sized business clients. It suits experienced bankers with a strong background in trade finance, SME relationship management, and deposit mobilisation.

Quick Facts

• Job Title: Relationship Manager, SME Banking
• Company: Standard Chartered Bank
• Requisition Number: 64935
• Location: Lagos
• Global Grade: Band 8
• Work Type: Office Working
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Salary: Not specified (competitive salary and benefits)
• Application Deadline: 10th November, 2026

Job Summary

The Relationship Manager plays a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by onboarding and nurturing relationships with small and medium-sized business clients. The position uses Standard Chartered’s global network and capabilities to support international trade and deliver tailored financial solutions. The successful candidate will work with multiple teams to support Trade Finance activities, improve deposit mobilisation, and build long-term client engagement. The role is highly strategic and requires proactive leadership in client acquisition, portfolio management, and cross-selling, while adhering to regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s values.

Key Responsibilities for This Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job

• Strategically identify and acquire Trade and SME business clients with high deposit potential, focusing on current accounts and low-cost deposits.
• Proactively prospect and engage new-to-bank (NTB) Trade SME businesses across diverse sectors, using supplier and buyer ecosystems, strategic alliances, targeted lists, and local market knowledge.
• Drive the use of digital channels among clients by setting up remote access systems such as online banking, POS, client centres, and ATMs.
• Collaborate with specialist teams to deepen relationships with high-value or growth-potential clients through comprehensive SME product offerings and tailored solutions.
• Conduct detailed needs assessments and provide SMEs with suitable trade finance products, structured deposits, cash management, and payment solutions aligned with their business cycles.
• Develop and deliver actionable client feedback and market intelligence through weekly reports, helping senior leadership shape SME strategic initiatives.
• Lead client engagement in sectors such as Trade, Maritime, Oil & Gas, IT, NGOs, Healthcare, Education, and Commerce to build sustainable, long-term banking relationships.
• Drive growth in Trade Finance and deposit mobilisation by promoting products such as Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Import/Export financing, and structured trade solutions.
• Partner closely with Trade Operations and Treasury to ensure smooth end-to-end trade transaction processing and excellent service delivery.
• Adhere rigorously to the Bank’s policies, operating instructions, and risk management protocols, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
• Set a high standard of conduct by embodying the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct, and foster an ethical, compliant environment.

Requirements for This Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job

Qualifications

• A good first degree from a recognised institution in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional qualifications acquired through reputable associations and practical experience.
• Sound working knowledge of SME banking products and lending instruments tailored to diverse industries.

Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years’ post-graduate experience in banking, with a focus on trade finance or SME relationship management roles.
• Extensive expertise in Trade Finance, with in-depth knowledge of Letters of Credit (LCs), Bills for Collection (BCs), Bank Guarantees, Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), and related instruments.
• Proven business development and relationship management capabilities, with experience acquiring, growing, and managing clients actively engaged in trade.
• Strong competence in transaction banking products and deposit mobilisation strategies that balance growth and risk mitigation.
• A thorough understanding of credit and risk assessment practices relevant to SME banking.
• Comprehensive industry and sector knowledge, enabling tailored solutions to meet dynamic market needs.
• Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance obligations in banking and trade finance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust, negotiate complex transactions, and maintain lasting client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and a global banking environment.

Nice to Have

• Specialised knowledge and certification in trade finance instruments and global trade regulations.

What We Offer

• Inclusive Culture: An inclusive, values-driven organisation that embraces and celebrates diversity across teams, business functions, and geographies.
• Competitive Pay: In line with the Fair Pay Charter, a competitive salary and benefits to support mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing.
• Core Benefits: Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.
• Time Off: Annual leave, parental/maternity leave (20 weeks), sabbatical (12 months maximum), and volunteering leave (3 days), combined with minimum global standards for annual and public holidays to give a minimum of 30 days.
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options and patterns based around home and office locations.
• Wellbeing Support: Proactive wellbeing support through Unmind, a digital wellbeing platform, plus development courses for resilience and other human skills, a global employee assistance programme, sick leave, mental health first-aiders, and self-help toolkits.
• Continuous Learning: A continuous learning culture with opportunities to reskill and upskill, and access to physical, virtual, and digital learning.

Why This Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job in Lagos Stands Out

This role offers:

• A permanent position with an international bank with more than 160 years of history.
• The chance to work with SME and trade clients across sectors such as Maritime, Oil & Gas, IT, Healthcare, and Education.
• Access to the bank’s global network and trade finance capabilities.
• A strong benefits package, including 20 weeks of parental leave, sabbatical options, and wellbeing support.

If you are among job seekers looking for banking jobs in Lagos, this Standard Chartered opening is worth applying to.

How to Apply for This Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Standard Chartered careers portal, quoting requisition number 64935.

Application Deadline: 10th November, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About This Relationship Manager, SME Banking Job

Q: What qualifications are needed for this Relationship Manager job?
A: Candidates need a good first degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional qualifications. They also need at least 5 years of post-graduate banking experience, with a focus on trade finance or SME relationship management.

Q: Where is this Relationship Manager job located?
A: The job is in Lagos. The work type is office working.

Q: Is this a permanent role?
A: Yes. The employment type is permanent, at Global Grade Band 8.

Q: Is trade finance experience required?
A: Yes. The role needs extensive trade finance expertise, including Letters of Credit, Bills for Collection, Bank Guarantees, and Standby Letters of Credit.

Q: Is a salary listed for this role?
A: No specific figure is given. The bank offers a competitive salary and benefits in line with its Fair Pay Charter.

Q: How do I apply, and when is the deadline?
A: Apply online through the Standard Chartered careers portal using requisition number 64935. The deadline is 10th November, 2026.

Looking for more banking and finance jobs in Lagos? Check here.

Before applying, ensure your CV clearly highlights your trade finance expertise, your SME client acquisition and deposit mobilisation record, your knowledge of KYC and AML requirements, and your five-plus years of banking experience.

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