Funding Readiness Consultant

Spartan Background

 Explore Spartan’s culture and the impact you’d make in funding SMEs - view our Careers page.

The Fit – You & Spartan

Spartan focuses exclusively on financing entrepreneurs - we are changing South Africa one SME at a time and we are the ideal place for people who want to build our country, increase jobs and improve lives - through helping SMEs grow.

Spartan opened in 1981 and provides financing that backs entrepreneurs. This is done by adopting a structured finance approach that incorporates an intimate understanding of both the jockey [entrepreneur] and their business [SME].

We value a person with truthful candid talk, creativity, curiosity, conscientiousness, and an obsession towards holistic learning & growth. 

Purpose of the Role

Many Entrepreneurs and SME owners are confused by the funding options available to them within the South African funding landscape.

In part this role will educate Entrepreneurs and assist them in being in a “Funding Ready” state for Spartan.

This opportunity, therefore requires a self-aware, conscientious, patient and empathetic person, who will engage with potential and existing customers and ensure that they are ready to accept funding into their growing business that ensures their sustainability. The nurturing demeanour of the candidate will help nudge SMEs to see that they are important to Spartan and the South African economy.

Job Description 

As a Funding Readiness Consultant, you will be expected to manage your portfolio by identifying and preparing tailored made communications and clearing the way for SMEs to receive funding.

 The candidate will be expected, but not be limited to: 

• Engage with our database of SMEs who have applied
• Identifying SMEs that could qualify for funding but are just not ready yet
• Identify problems in the SMEs path to funding and solution finding
• Preparing communication plans
• Acting on those communication plans
• Work closely with your colleagues in the Portfolio team and Credit team
• Preparing Action Plans for SME Owners
• Report on activities and successes
• Perform site missions
• Write up selected successful SME case files/studies

We’re more effective as a team that works closely together and engages with its customers and stakeholders, face-to-face – consequently we are entirely office based [i.e. no work-from-home mode].

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or similar
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in relationship banking or similar or previously running your own business

Desired Skills, Experience and disposition

• Experience with various finance/funding products
• Understanding of business models
• Communications management
• Financial understanding 
• Caring disposition 
• Excellent communication skills [verbal and written] 
• Problem Solver 
• Conscientious with follow-up & feedback  
• Strong team player
• A disarming and non-threating personality 
• Managing own time efficiently
• Self-awareness
• Good judgement of character   
• Experience on Microsoft Dynamics (CRM) or similar
• Embody Spartan’s mission statement (Helping SMEs Grow)

Remuneration 

• Market related salary, with company benefits 

Application Requirements 

• CV 
• Motivation Letter 

Industry 

• Financial Services