Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Slade Blandford

Slade Blandford

Grafton,NSW

Summary

Goal-oriented Agribusiness Manager offering almost 20 years of experience in field. Practiced negotiator and networker with positive mentality and strong critical thinking skills.

Through deep commitment to stakeholder engagement I have honed my skills in cultivating meaningful relationships through business and project management.

I am passionate about people, engagement and leading by example. These principles form the very foundation of my professional identity.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Agri and Business Banking Manager

National Australia Bank
11.2023 - Current

Managing a diverse portfolio of specialised Agribusiness customers in the Coffs/Clarence region. Providing clients with a whole of wallet experience including Commercial and Home Lending, Working Capital, Transactional, Equipment Finance and Trade finance.

The role see's me managing all aspects of Agribusiness for the partnership supported by an Agribusiness Manager and Relationship Associate with a AAA Delegated Credit Authority of $30m.


  • Conducted regular financial analysis to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement
  • Established strong relationships with industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
  • Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
  • Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.

Agribusiness Manager

National Australia Bank
01.2020 - 10.2023

Managing a diverse portfolio of specialised Agribusiness customers in the Coffs/Clarence region. Providing clients with a whole of wallet experience including Commercial and Home Lending, Working Capital, Transactional, Equipment Finance and Trade finance.

  • Manage and maintain portfolio profitability through financial analysis of P&L and Balance Sheet.
  • Conducted regular financial analysis to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement
  • Established strong relationships with industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
  • Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
  • Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.

Program Officer - Drought Assistance

Rural Assistance Authority - Department of Primary Industries
09.2018 - 09.2019

Head hunted by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Nial Blair, the role and responsibilities included the coordination of workflow and administrative processes for the Drought Assistance Funding initiative whilst also managing the performance of staff and program financial and statistical data for Ministerial and Board review.


  • In depth financial analysis of Treasury P&L and delivery of forecast data
  • Created and implemented program frameworks, performance standards and quality assurance requirements.
  • Respond to and manage appeals and complaints on behalf of the RAA and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW
  • Lead and develop direct reports through regular PDP discussions, application and actionable outcomes
  • Identify and manage the welfare of RAA staff dealing with a highly sensitive decision making environment
  • Provided key leadership to project managers, directors, and other team members.
  • Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative programs that addressed community needs.

Corporate Relationship Manager

Toyota Motor Corporation
01.2018 - 09.2018

Leading a team of four Assistant Managers, the role was responsible for building, maintaining and procuring new and existing business partnerships for Toyota Fleet Management.


  • Build and maintain relationships with Fleet Managers, CFO's, Procurement Managers and Accounting staff
  • Business Development; generate new revenue opportunities through new and existing relationships
  • Strengthened client relationships by providing tailored financial advice and solutions for their unique business needs.
  • Negotiated favourable contract terms with key stakeholders, securing long-term partnership agreements and increased revenue.
  • Streamlined internal processes and workflows related to relationship management activities, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Agribusiness Manager

ANZ
06.2016 - 10.2017

Responsible for the creation of Agribusiness for Small Business Banking; A complete ground up model designed to identify the business needs of customers who derive income solely through Agriculture in Sydney and surrounding areas.


  • Conducted regular financial analysis to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement
  • Established strong relationships with industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
  • Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
  • Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.

Relationship Manager

Commonwealth Bank
03.2016 - 06.2016
  • Developed and maintained strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service and advice.
  • Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients while providing high level of expertise.
  • Maintained strict compliance with all banking regulations, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for clients.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and professionally to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Educated customers on features and benefits of banking products and services.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored financial advice and personalized banking solutions.

Regional Agribusiness Banker

Commonwealth Bank
03.2014 - 02.2016
  • Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
  • Developed and maintained strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service and advice.
  • Maintained strict compliance with all banking regulations, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for clients.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and professionally to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Educated customers on features and benefits of banking products and services.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored financial advice and personalized banking solutions.

Education

High School Diploma -

Grafton High School
Grafton, NSW

Skills

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Project Management
  • Loan Structuring
  • Relationship Management
  • Team Coaching
  • Data and Analytical Reporting
  • Marketing and Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Process Implementation
  • Recruitment and Hiring
  • Group Facilitation and Public Speaking

References

Kylie Beckhouse

Federal Circuit Court Judge - Department of Justice

Alison Blanshard

State Business Banking Executive - National Australia Bank

Timeline

Senior Agri and Business Banking Manager

National Australia Bank
11.2023 - Current

Agribusiness Manager

National Australia Bank
01.2020 - 10.2023

Program Officer - Drought Assistance

Rural Assistance Authority - Department of Primary Industries
09.2018 - 09.2019

Corporate Relationship Manager

Toyota Motor Corporation
01.2018 - 09.2018

Agribusiness Manager

ANZ
06.2016 - 10.2017

Relationship Manager

Commonwealth Bank
03.2016 - 06.2016

Regional Agribusiness Banker

Commonwealth Bank
03.2014 - 02.2016

High School Diploma -

Grafton High School
Slade Blandford