Job Description

Head of Risk & Compliance

Location: Fleet, Hampshire (Hybrid working available)

Reporting Line:

Chief Executive Officer
Regular reporting to the Board and Risk Committee

Line Manager Responsibilities 3

Status: 1.00 FTE

Role Purpose

The Head of Risk & Compliance is a senior leadership role responsible for establishing, owning, and continuously enhancing the firm’s risk management and compliance frameworks. The role provides independent oversight across all risk categories and regulatory obligations, supporting sustainable growth of the SME lending and equity investment portfolio.

The position operates as a key second-line function and acts as a trusted adviser to the Board, executive team, and investment committees.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Management

• Refine, implement, and maintain the firm’s enterprise risk management framework, including risk appetite, policies, and governance structures.
• Own and challenge existing credit risk frameworks covering SME debt and equity investments.
• Monitor and report portfolio risk, concentration risk, stress testing, scenario analysis, and capital adequacy.
• Own operational, liquidity, reputational, and strategic risk assessments.
• Ensure timely and accurate risk reporting to the Board Risk Committee, and senior management.
• Embed a strong risk culture across the organisation through training, communication, and effective challenge.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee second‑line portfolio risk monitoring for both debt and equity: watch‑lists, triggers, MI dashboards, impairment/provisions, and performance vs. plan.
• Direct the recoveries/portfolio interventions process plan (work‑outs, restructures, external specialists) to minimise losses and maximise outcomes; assure fair customer treatment and regulatory expectations are met.

• Lead portfolio governance reporting and challenge including credit scoring/grading, Probability of default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD) Exposure at Default (EAD) approaches, stress testing for debt portfolios, and equity valuation/exit risk assessment frameworks
• Produce concise, decision‑useful risk reports for Regional Fund Heads, on impairments, recoveries, and thematic risks.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Own and maintain the firm’s compliance framework in line with FCA (or equivalent) regulatory requirements
• Hold FCA regulatory approval for Compliance (SMF16) and MLRO (SMF17) duties, maintain policies and monitoring plans, and liaise with regulators and advisers as the main point of contact.
• Oversee AML, KYC, financial crime, conduct risk, maintain business continuity/disaster recovery oversight and data protection obligations.
• Own and implement annual compliance monitoring programmes, policies, and controls.
• Manage all regulatory interaction, including reporting, breaches, remediation plans, and internal compliance audits.
• Ensure governance arrangements meet regulatory expectations for a regulated SME lender/investor.

Governance & Leadership

• Chair or contribute to Management and Board Risk Committees
• Provide clear, practical advice to the Board on risk and regulatory matters.

• Be the contact point for Investors ensuring contract and reporting obligations reflect robust risk practice.

• Support new fund/ product development and strategic initiatives from a risk and compliance perspective
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Risk team
• Embed risk culture promoting proportional analysis and strong documentation; coach regional/sector heads and investment managers
• Partner closely with the Finance team.

Key Relationships

• CEO and FD
• Regional Fund Heads
• Investment Committee / Credit Committee
• Board Risk Committee and Chair of BRC
• Regulators and external advisers
• External compliance consultants and professionals (e.g solicitors & Insolvency practitioners

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior experience in risk management and compliance within financial services, with eligibility to hold a Senior Manager Function (SMF)
• Strong background in SME lending, credit risk, or investment environments
• Demonstrable experience working in regulated firms (FCA or similar).
• Experience presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-growing organisation.

Technical Knowledge

• Credit risk frameworks and portfolio management
• Regulatory compliance and governance
• AML / KYC and financial crime controls
• Risk appetite setting and stress testing
• Regulatory handbook, reporting and compliance monitoring

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ICA, FRM, PRM, ACA, CFA or equivalent).

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong judgement
• Confident communicator with gravitas at Board level
• Pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to risk
• High integrity and independence of thought
• Comfortable balancing control with growth objectives

KPIs & success measures

• Building on the existing robust measures for strategy of FSE updating for risk assessment advances in the wider market.
• Improving efficiency of processes utilising technology including AI to provide robust systems delivered at higher volumes
• Portfolio performance vs. Risk Appetite (defaults/impairments, equity write‑downs, recovery rates). 
• Committee throughput and decision quality (time‑to‑sanction, exceptions trend, post‑decision outcomes).
• Operational/compliance health (policy adherence, monitoring findings closed on time, BC/DR readiness).
• Stakeholder confidence (Board, funders, auditors) reflected in fewer surprises and clearer forward‑risk views.

January 2026

Job Title: Broker Manager
Location: Wales / Southwest Region
Ideally based in South Wales, but candidates along the M5/M6 corridor will be considered. Territory will be assigned based on location.

Overview

We are looking to make an immediate appointment and will fast-track strong candidates through a streamlined, two-stage recruitment process.

The Opportunity

An exciting opening for an Asset Finance sales professional to join a successful, growing asset finance company with a strong appetite to lend in an uncertain market.

The company specialises in Tier 2 / Tier 3 Hard Asset Finance, offering flexible, commercially minded funding via the broker channel, even as many competitors tighten their criteria.

This role is suited to an ambitious, driven professional ready to manage a large territory and earn substantial rewards based on performance.

Responsibilities include:

• High-volume outbound sales activity
• Onboarding and educating asset finance brokers
• Driving increasing proposal flow into Davenham

Requirements

• Asset Finance Funder sales experience (essential)
• Preference for candidates not currently working as asset finance brokers
• Ambitious, self-motivated, organised, and confident
• Prior Broker Manager experience preferred
• Demonstrable track record of success in a similar role

Package

• Basic Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 (DOE)
• Commission: Paid monthly; OTE approximately £75,000 – £90,000 (based on achievement of demanding targets)
• Company Car: Choice within budget* (typically Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC60, BMW, etc.)
  • Standard rental saloon provided during probation
• Benefits: Pension, Private Medical*, and Dental*
• Annual Leave: 28 days (including 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

Benefits marked with an asterisk apply after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Finance for Enterprise - Credit and Fund Manager

Finance for Enterprise (FFE) is a leading commercial lending business dedicated to helping businesses grow. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Credit and Fund Manager to join our team and play a crucial role in signing off new loan applications, managing our loan portfolio, and supporting new funding tenders.

Responsibilities:

• Credit Review and Sanctioning: Conduct thorough credit analysis of loan applications, assessing financial viability, risk factors, and security positions. Get involved with informed lending recommendations and play an active role within the credit risk committee.
• Portfolio Management: Analyse loan performance, identify potential risks, and implement effective risk management strategies. Prepare comprehensive data reports on portfolio health and trends. Work with the Senior Management Team to formalise and implement new portfolio strategies
• Credit Committee Participation: Actively participate in Credit Committee meetings, presenting credit analysis and recommendations, and contributing to informed lending decisions.
• Fund Management: Work collaboratively with solicitors and third parties to manage the existing loan funds, ensuring efficient utilisation and compliance with Fund regulations.
• Funding Exploration: Analyse and propose strategies for new funding requirements, including securitization, accessing grants, and raising further capital.
• Support new funding tenders and proposals.
• Data Analysis: Leverage data to perform in-depth portfolio analysis, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
• Staying Informed: Remain updated on relevant regulations, market trends, and best practices in commercial lending.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial lending or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex financial information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools.
• A strong understanding of credit risk management principles and regulatory requirements.
• A relevant degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.

Bonus points for:

• • Experience working with securitisation transactions
  • Knowledge of grant funding opportunities

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment
• Be part of a mission-driven organization that empowers businesses
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

Vargo is recruiting for a South West based commercial Lender that is looking to expand their team through the addition of a Relationship Manager. The company are well-established with offices throughout the South West but looking to add an additional head into either Bristol, Cheltenham or Gloucester area.

The role will working in a seasoned team of commercial lenders with a strong back-office support network. As a Relationship Manager, you will be responsible for managing introduce networks which include solicitors, accountants and brokers. You will be the initial point of client for new business clients looking for small to medium business loans, through to working with the back office team to sign off the loan.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing customers
• Understand customer needs and assess their borrowing requirements
• Structure and present loan proposals to customers and the credit committee
• Manage the loan process from application to completion
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities
• Achieve and exceed sales targets

Requirements

• Previous experience in commercial lending or a related field 
• Strong understanding of small to medium sized businesses and their financial needs
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills
• Proven ability to generate and close new business
• Self-motivated and driven to achieve results
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Enjoy business networking and engaging with the business community

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a growing and dynamic team
• Chance to make a real difference to the success of our customers
• Career development opportunities