Open To Work
Niraj Kumar
Eastern
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Assistant Vice President of Operations with over 19 years of leadership experience in the finance and banking sector. Expertise in driving operational excellence, optimizing processes, and leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on efficiency, scalability, and profitability. Recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration, with a proven ability to implement data-driven digital solutions that enhance customer experience and align operations with business growth objectives. A strategic leader adept at managing complex projects and leveraging analytical problem-solving to optimize financial performance and drive business growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Vice President – Operations
SMFG India Credit Ltd
05.2023 - Current
- Lead credit and operations across 55 urban and rural branches for secured and unsecured loan products, ensuring adherence to regulatory and internal compliance standards.
- Manage a high-performing team of 5 Operations Managers and 75 Executives, driving efficiency, accuracy, and customer service excellence.
- Oversee cash handling, disbursement processes, and timely processing of inward files at all branches.
- Responsible for OPS hiring and manpower planning aligned with budget and productivity goals.
- Conduct regular branch visits, provide regulatory and audit compliance training, and ensure closure of audit items on time.
- Partner in drafting and implementing process notes, system upgrades, and UAT testing.
- Successfully executed PAN-India initiatives such as eKYC implementation, E-NACH/mandate registration monitoring, and OPS headcount budgeting.
- Developed and circulated secured product operations checklists to ensure uniformity and compliance.
- Recognized for reducing operational errors, maintaining balanced workloads, and fostering team development and accountability.
- Established a high-performance culture within the team by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on individual performance contributions.
Regional Operations Manager – Retail Asset
Aditya Birla Finance Ltd
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed retail asset operations across multiple branches, ensuring credit process compliance and operational excellence.
- Monitored branch performance on profitability, expenses, employee retention, and productivity metrics.
- Oversaw end-to-end mortgage disbursal, including due diligence, risk evaluation, and documentation.
- Designed and implemented innovative policy rollouts to improve process efficiency and customer experience.
- Strengthened legal and technical understanding to minimize risk exposure and enhance compliance.
- Supervised PDD (Post Disbursal Document) audit compliance and training.
- Conducted surprise branch audits to ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory standards.
- Managed property document storage, acceptance, and dispatch processes.
- Drove team productivity, ensured hiring within budget, and maintained superior customer satisfaction.
- Developed training programs for staff to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
Senior Manager – Retail Assets (East Zone / Kolkata)
IDFC First Bank Ltd
02.2018 - 08.2022
- Led operations for retail asset loan products in East India, managing a team of 14 Managers, 55 Executives, and 12 dealer points.
- Oversaw credit appraisals for home loans and LAP, strengthened risk controls, and enhanced branch performance through resource planning and training.
- Conducted audits and supported branch expansion and automation for improved efficiency.
Manager – Retail Assets
Bandhan Bank Ltd
09.2016 - 02.2018
- Managed retail asset portfolio across 13 bank branches and 62 micro-banking branches for Two-Wheeler, New Car, HL, LAP, and LARR loans.
- Achieved and exceeded sales and disbursement targets for retail loans.
- Cross-sold asset products to existing microfinance and CASA customers, driving revenue growth.
- Generated leads through local marketing and referral networks, and strengthened customer relationships.
- Increased CASA base through account openings and fixed deposit acquisition.
- Oversaw vendor management, eligibility assessments, and credit evaluations.
- Recognized for generating innovative sales ideas and enhancing branch-level profitability.
Deputy Manager – Operations
HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2011 - 09.2016
Accounts & Administration Executive
Max New York Life Insurance Co. Ltd
12.2008 - 03.2011
Executive – Operations
Reliance Life Insurance Co. Ltd
06.2007 - 11.2008
Operations Executive
ICICI Home Finance Co. Ltd (Noida & Ranchi)
04.2005 - 06.2007
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Patna University
01-2001
Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Process improvement
- Credit risk management processes
Timeline
Assistant Vice President – Operations
SMFG India Credit Ltd
05.2023 - Current
Regional Operations Manager – Retail Asset
Aditya Birla Finance Ltd
08.2022 - 05.2023
Senior Manager – Retail Assets (East Zone / Kolkata)
IDFC First Bank Ltd
02.2018 - 08.2022
Manager – Retail Assets
Bandhan Bank Ltd
09.2016 - 02.2018
Deputy Manager – Operations
HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2011 - 09.2016
Accounts & Administration Executive
Max New York Life Insurance Co. Ltd
12.2008 - 03.2011
Executive – Operations
Reliance Life Insurance Co. Ltd
06.2007 - 11.2008
Operations Executive
ICICI Home Finance Co. Ltd (Noida & Ranchi)
04.2005 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
Patna University