Credit Product Strategy Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Credit Product Strategy Operations – Officer Company: Citi Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations / Product Strategy & Planning Date Posted: August 28, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is critical for the Credit Product Strategy Operations (CPSO) team, focusing on enhancing credit monitoring, portfolio management, and transaction management within Institutional Credit Management (ICM).
Key responsibilities include driving operational consistency, mitigating risks through effective issue resolution, and contributing to the first line of defense in credit risk management.
The position offers exposure to senior leadership and opportunities for professional growth within a global banking institution.
Success in this role requires a blend of deep financial services knowledge, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex control environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the broader "Product Management and Development" job family group, specifically in "Product Strategy and Planning." While not a direct sales operations role, the operational focus on credit products and risk management aligns strongly with the analytical and process-driven nature of GTM Operations, particularly in financial services. The "Officer" title suggests a mid-level position with some independent responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Issue Resolution & Risk Mitigation: Provide testing support to resolve Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and Self-Identified Issues (SIIs) across Institutional Credit Management (ICM), ensuring adherence to established guidelines.
Project Management: Ensure timely completion of projects within the CPSO book of work, managing timelines and deliverables with minimal supervision.
Operational Consistency: Implement best practices and adhere to established guidelines to drive operational consistency across various Business Units within ICM.
Control Environment Adherence: Follow established governance mechanisms and controls to prevent the recurrence of issues and maintain a robust risk framework.
Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to leverage new technologies, such as AI/ML, to optimize processes across the ICM organization and enhance efficiency.
Learning & Development: Actively participate in learning, development, and training opportunities, including instructor-led courses, to enhance skills and knowledge.
Team Engagement: Support CPSE VoE (Voice of the Employee) engagement, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and contribute to improving leadership scores.
Travel: Undertake travel as required, estimated at less than 10%.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on risk management, process improvement, and adherence to compliance frameworks, which are core tenets of operations roles in the financial sector. The mention of "first line of defense" for credit risk management is a critical operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BSc) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Higher degrees such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or professional certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are highly desirable.

Experience:

2-4 years of demonstrable experience within the financial services sector, specifically in Banking or the Financial Institution (FI) Industry.
Proven experience in preparing presentations for senior management, showcasing strategic thinking and clear communication of complex information.
Familiarity with control environments and a proven ability to adhere to established policies and procedures.

Required Skills:

Wholesale Credit Processes: Deep knowledge of wholesale credit processes and policies spanning the entire credit risk value chain.
Citi's Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with Citi's internal systems and platforms used for credit management and operations.
Presentation Skills: Ability to create and deliver clear, concise, and persuasive presentations to senior stakeholders.
Control Environment Adherence: Strong awareness and commitment to operating within a defined control environment, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to organize tasks, manage time effectively, and prioritize workload under pressure with minimal supervision.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex information to diverse audiences.
Microsoft Office Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights for process improvement and risk management.
Financial Analysis: Foundational understanding of financial analysis principles relevant to credit risk assessment.

Preferred Skills:

Policy and Procedure Knowledge: In-depth understanding of financial industry policies, regulations, and internal procedures.
Risk Controls and Monitors: Experience in implementing and monitoring risk controls within a financial operations context.
Risk Identification and Assessment: Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks.
Escalation Management: Experience in managing and escalating issues effectively to relevant stakeholders.
Constructive Debate: Ability to engage in constructive discussions and influence outcomes through reasoned arguments.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and exert influence with or without direct authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Citi's Systems Knowledge" implies that candidates with prior experience within Citi's tech stack will have an advantage. The required skills are a strong blend of technical credit knowledge, operational execution, and stakeholder management, typical for mid-level operations roles in financial institutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Process Improvement Case Studies: Demonstrate experience in analyzing existing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing improvements within a credit or financial operations context. Portfolio should showcase the methodology used (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma principles) and quantifiable results.
Metrics and Efficiency Improvements: Provide examples of how you have tracked operational performance using key metrics (e.g., turnaround time, error rates, issue resolution speed) and achieved measurable efficiency gains.
System Implementation/Optimization Examples: Showcase any involvement in the implementation, enhancement, or optimization of financial systems, particularly those related to credit risk, portfolio management, or transaction processing. Highlight user acceptance testing (UAT) or process integration experience.
ROI Demonstration Needs: Be prepared to articulate the return on investment (ROI) or business value generated from process improvements or system implementations you were involved in, using data-driven evidence.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design and Optimization: Evidence of designing or refining operational workflows to improve clarity, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance compliance. This could include process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or workflow automation strategies.
Implementation and Automation Methods: Examples of how new processes or automation solutions were rolled out, including change management considerations and user training documentation.
Measurement and Performance Analysis: Documentation on how operational processes were measured for performance, including the development of dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor ongoing efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio required," the nature of the role and the emphasis on process optimization and issue resolution strongly suggests that candidates with a demonstrable track record in these areas, presented through case studies or project examples, will be significantly more competitive. This is standard practice for operations roles focused on continuous improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level "Officer" role in Mumbai, India, with 2-4 years of financial services experience, the estimated annual salary range is ₹10,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 (Indian Rupees). This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

Citi typically offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, which may include:
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement Savings Plan: Provident Fund (PF) or similar employer-sponsored retirement savings schemes.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
- Professional Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and educational assistance for relevant certifications.
- Life Insurance: Coverage to protect employees and their families.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
- Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time position. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility in start and end times depending on team needs and operational demands, but core business hours will need to be covered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for similar roles in Mumbai, India, considering the financial services industry and the "Officer" designation. Actual compensation will be determined by Citi's internal grading system and the candidate's specific qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking Company Size: Large (Global presence with significant employee base) Founded: 1812 (Citi has a long and established history in global banking)

Team Structure:

The CPSO (Credit Product Strategy Operations) team is composed of senior Banking and Credit Risk Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) alongside specialized staff.
The team's mandate is broad, covering credit monitoring, portfolio management, collateral management, transaction management, credit risk middle office, quality assurance, issues management, and regulatory issue remediation.
This role likely reports into a manager or director within the CPSO function, with potential interaction with various credit risk and business line heads.

Methodology:

Data Analysis and Insights: The team relies on data-driven approaches to identify risks, monitor portfolio health, and inform strategic decisions related to credit products.
Workflow Planning and Optimization: A core focus is on designing, implementing, and continuously improving operational workflows to ensure efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation.
Automation and Efficiency Practices: The team is encouraged to explore and leverage technology, including AI/ML, to automate processes and enhance operational efficiency within the Institutional Credit Management (ICM) framework.

Company Website: https://www.citi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's culture emphasizes a strong commitment to risk management, client service, and operational excellence, especially within its credit operations. As a large, global financial institution, adherence to strict regulatory frameworks and internal controls is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Officer This position is suitable for an individual with 2-4 years of experience seeking to deepen their expertise in credit product operations within a large financial institution. It offers a solid foundation for a career in credit risk management, product strategy, or broader operations management within the banking sector.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a manager or senior vice president within the Credit Product Strategy Operations (CPSO) team. Collaboration will be expected with peers within CPSO, as well as with stakeholders in credit risk, business lines, technology, and compliance departments.

Operations Impact: The operations function is critical to ensuring the safety and soundness of Citi's credit portfolio. This role directly contributes to risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and adherence to regulatory requirements, thereby supporting the bank's profitability and reputation. By optimizing processes and resolving issues, the role impacts the effectiveness and client experience of Citi's credit products.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas of credit risk management, portfolio analysis, or product operations.
Skill Development: Enhance analytical, project management, and stakeholder management skills through on-the-job training and exposure to complex projects.
Leadership Potential: With proven performance and demonstrated leadership qualities, opportunities for advancement to more senior roles within CPSO or related operational functions may arise. This could include team lead, manager, or specialized analyst roles.
Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to different facets of the bank's operations, potentially leading to opportunities in other product areas or risk management functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Officer" title often signifies a stepping stone to more senior management roles. Citi, as a large organization, typically provides structured career paths and development programs for its employees, fostering long-term growth within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office setting within one of Citi's Mumbai locations.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Citi has multiple offices in major metropolitan areas, and the specific team location will be within the Mumbai business district.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workplace with opportunities to collaborate closely with team members, subject matter experts, and cross-functional partners.
Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including robust network connectivity, and potentially specialized financial systems and analytics tools relevant to credit operations.
Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project discussions, and one-on-one interactions with managers are expected. The environment encourages knowledge sharing and problem-solving among colleagues.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, likely Monday to Friday, with approximately 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected to be covered, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and operational requirements. Occasional extended hours might be necessary to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major financial hub like Mumbai suggests a professional, structured work environment focused on collaboration and adherence to corporate standards.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, skills, and understanding of credit product operations. Be prepared to discuss your career aspirations and how this role aligns with them.
Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of team members or subject matter experts. You might be asked to discuss specific scenarios, analyze case studies related to credit risk or process improvement, and demonstrate your knowledge of wholesale credit processes.
Presentation/Assessment (Potential): Depending on the role's specifics, you might be asked to prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic (e.g., a process improvement idea, analysis of a credit scenario) or complete a skills assessment.
Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with a more senior leader, followed by a job offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tailor to Operations: If you have a portfolio, ensure it highlights relevant operational achievements, process improvements, and risk mitigation efforts. Quantify your impact whenever possible.
Process Improvement Case Studies: Structure your case studies clearly: Problem, Action (your specific role and methodology), Result (quantifiable outcomes like reduced errors, faster processing, cost savings).
Metrics Presentation: When discussing metrics, explain what they measure, why they are important for operations, and how you used them to drive improvements. Use clear visualizations if possible.
Company-Specific Considerations: Research Citi's known strengths and challenges in credit operations and tailor your examples to demonstrate how your skills can address those.

Challenge Preparation:

Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical operational challenges (e.g., "How would you handle a sudden increase in transaction errors?" or "Describe a time you identified a control weakness and what you did about it.").
Process Mapping/Analysis: Be ready to discuss your approach to mapping a process, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing solutions for efficiency or risk reduction.
Stakeholder Management: Think about how you communicate with different stakeholders (e.g., business units, IT, compliance) regarding operational changes or issues. Emphasize clarity and collaboration.
Understanding of Controls: Prepare to articulate your understanding of the importance of controls in a financial services environment and how you ensure compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of operations roles focused on process and risk, interviewers will likely probe for practical experience and a structured problem-solving approach. Demonstrating an understanding of the credit lifecycle and regulatory environment is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CRM (Likely): While not explicitly mentioned, a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, or internal Citi CRM) might be used for managing client interactions or tracking product-related activities, though the core focus is credit operations.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting; PowerPoint for presentations; Word for documentation and policy writing.
Internal Citi Systems: Knowledge of Citi's proprietary systems for credit origination, portfolio management, risk monitoring, and transaction processing will be highly advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools like SQL for data extraction and manipulation, and potentially BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and reports.
Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros) are essential for day-to-day analysis.
Reporting Platforms: Familiarity with internal reporting frameworks and platforms used by financial institutions.

CRM & Automation:

Potential Automation Tools: Exposure to workflow automation tools (e.g., RPA - Robotic Process Automation, internal workflow engines) could be beneficial, especially given the mention of leveraging AI/ML for optimization.
Integration Tools: Understanding of how different systems integrate within a financial institution's ecosystem is valuable, though not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Knowledge of Citi's systems" requirement is significant. Candidates with prior experience within Citi or similar large-scale financial institutions will have a distinct advantage due to familiarity with their complex technology environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all operations, especially crucial in financial services.
Client Focus: Delivering excellent service and solutions to internal and external clients, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in credit product delivery.
Risk Management: A proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to protect the organization and its stakeholders.
Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A commitment to optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and driving operational excellence.
Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across the organization to achieve common goals and share knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with credit risk, business development, technology, and compliance teams. Effective communication and the ability to build strong working relationships are essential.
Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and operational procedures to foster continuous improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing best practices, insights, and lessons learned to enhance team performance and organizational knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's culture, as a global financial leader, is likely to be highly structured, emphasizing compliance, risk awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility among its employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex Regulations: Operating within a highly regulated financial environment requires constant attention to compliance and policy adherence.
Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various internal stakeholders (business lines, risk, IT, compliance) can be challenging.
Process Standardization: Ensuring consistent application of processes across different business units or product lines, especially in a large organization, requires strong governance and communication.
Adapting to Technological Advancements: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new technologies like AI/ML into established credit operations requires adaptability and continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in credit risk management, portfolio analysis, process optimization techniques, and financial controls.
Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant certifications such as CFA, FRM (Financial Risk Manager), or specialized credit risk training.
Leadership Development: Potential to develop leadership skills through project management, team collaboration, and mentorship programs offered by Citi.
Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from a global organization with established operational frameworks and exposure to international banking standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for operations roles in large financial institutions, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Operations Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to improving the efficiency of a credit underwriting process. What metrics would you track?" or "How do you ensure adherence to credit policies in daily operations?"
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements with a business unit regarding credit policy implementation?" or "Describe a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a new operational process."
Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex operational issue you encountered in credit operations and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" or "How would you approach identifying and mitigating risks in a credit portfolio monitoring process?"

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Operations Culture: "What do you know about Citi's approach to credit risk management?" or "How do you see your role contributing to Citi's commitment to operational excellence?"
Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to team success." or "How do you handle receiving feedback on your work from peers or superiors?"
Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of operational improvements?" or "Provide an example of how you demonstrated the ROI of a process change you implemented."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structured Case Studies: Present 1-2 key projects that showcase your process improvement skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your narrative.
Data Visualization: If possible, use simple charts or graphs to illustrate improvements in metrics (e.g., reduction in processing time, decrease in error rates).
Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project, rather than just the team's overall achievement.
Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your methodology and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect behavioral questions that assess your past performance and situational questions that gauge your problem-solving abilities in a credit operations context. Demonstrating a structured, data-driven approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Credit Product Strategy Operations – Officer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Citi careers portal.
Operations Portfolio Customization: Review your resume and any supporting documents to highlight specific achievements related to credit operations, risk mitigation, process improvement, and financial analysis. Select 1-2 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in these areas for potential discussion.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience in financial services, wholesale credit processes, and relevant skills like Microsoft Office, analytical thinking, and presentation. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
Interview Preparation: Practice answering common behavioral and situational interview questions related to operations, risk management, and problem-solving. Prepare to articulate your experience using the STAR method.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Citi's business, its credit product offerings, and its stated values regarding operational excellence and risk management. Understand the importance of controls in a banking environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Credit Product Strategy Operations – Officer