Specialist – Cards Issuing (Credit Card Portfolio)

Overview:

Endeavour Recruitment is looking for a highly motivated and strategic Specialist – Cards Issuing (Credit Card Portfolio) to join a leading banking client. This role focuses on managing and growing a credit card portfolio, with a strong emphasis on activation, spend, retention, and overall portfolio performance.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in portfolio management within cards in a banking environment, along with strong financial and analytical capabilities. This position combines financial planning, portfolio analytics, and targeted customer engagement strategies.

Due to local market constraints, candidates from across Africa who are willing to relocate will be considered. This is a permanent, onsite role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Portfolio Performance Management:

Analyse and monitor credit card portfolio performance, including activation rates, spend trends, retention, and usage patterns.
Develop and execute strategies to optimise key performance indicators.

2. Card Activation and Retention:

Drive initiatives to improve card activation rates across new and existing customers.
Develop and implement retention strategies to reduce attrition and increase long-term engagement.

3. Portfolio Strategy & Growth:

Design and execute strategies to increase card usage, spend, and customer lifetime value.
Manage portfolio segmentation and targeted interventions across different customer groups.

4. Customer Segmentation & Campaigns:

Use data analytics to segment customers based on behaviour, usage, and risk.
Deliver targeted campaigns focused on activation, engagement, and retention.

5. Spend & Usage Optimisation:

Implement spend-based campaigns and milestone strategies to drive higher transaction volumes.
Collaborate with marketing and product teams on promotional initiatives.

6. P&L Management:

Own and manage the Profit & Loss (P&L) of the card portfolio.
Analyse revenue and cost drivers, including interest income, fees, and operational costs.
Identify and implement optimisation opportunities to improve profitability.

7. ENR (Active Cardholder Rate) Performance:

Develop strategies to increase and sustain high ENR levels.
Address inactivity and dormant card segments through targeted actions.

8. Special Segments Management:

Identify “never used” and inactive customers.
Implement tailored activation and engagement strategies for these segments.

Requirements:

Proven experience in credit card portfolio management within a banking environment.
Strong background in cards portfolio strategy, activation, and retention.
Solid financial acumen, including ability to manage and optimise P&L.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
Experience with customer segmentation and targeted campaign execution.
Ability to collaborate across product, marketing, and risk teams.
Willingness to relocate and work onsite.