Portfolio Executive – Risk and Restructuring

We are recruiting for a Portfolio Executive

Job purpose

Where investments have been identified as “at risk”, the Risk & Restructuring team’s primary responsibility is the development of an in-depth understanding of and close working relationship with portfolio clients and to maximise the returns on such investments. 

Act as the Account Manager and primary point of contact for a portfolio of underperforming investments. Attend and conduct meetings with portfolio companies as appropriate. Develop and implement recovery strategies. 

Support the activities of other portfolio teams across the Development Bank Group. Where investments are showing early signs of distress, work closely with colleagues and client businesses to diagnose the causes of underperformance and identify and implement turnaround plans.

Where appropriate, appraise and present requests for funding from the R&R Scheme for internal sanction.

Through these means, and drawing on third party strategic and operational support through the use of/liaison with Interim Managers, Non-Executive Directors and Insolvency Practitioners, manage and minimise the financial loss to the Development Bank from its “at risk” investments.   

Main duties and responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the management of a portfolio of investments identified as presenting the risk of financial loss to the Development Bank Group.
• Review underperforming investments including debt, equity and property cases residing within other portfolio teams across the Development Bank Group.
• Develop appropriate action plans for underperforming and/or “at risk” investments, with the agreement of the Portfolio Manager/Chief Risk Officer to maximise returns to the Development Bank Group, including driving turnaround plans, exit strategies and recovery action, as appropriate.
• Maintain routine contact with client businesses in the Risk & Restructuring portfolios to ensure both an up to date understanding of their circumstances, and to foster productive relationships with management. Contact strategies to be tailored to the circumstances of the business in question.
• Where appropriate, introduce third party strategic, financial, operational or other support to client businesses, drawing on links with Interim Managers, Non-Executive Directors, Insolvency Practitioners, and the wider business advisory community.   
• Attend meetings with clients and intermediaries to promote successful recovery of DBWs investments.
• Produce and maintain accurate documentation for all client companies’ activities.
• Monitor and assess relevant information, including financial information, to prepare necessary reports on performance of portfolio companies.
• Where appropriate, appraise potential further investments in distressed companies. Present balanced recommendations to senior management.
• Support the Group’s drive to continuously improve investment performance. Identify and report any recurring themes/issues arising from analysis of the circumstances giving rise to underperforming/distressed clients to inform future Investment and Portfolio Management strategies.
• Where necessary liaise with insolvency professionals.
• Ensure that all interactions with internal and external bodies and members are conducted in accordance with the highest standards of customer service to ensure timely feedback to appropriate parties.
• Any other task as may be defined by the Portfolio Manager/Chief Risk Officer to meet the operational needs of the department, ensuring at all times, the trust and confidence of the Group’s investors is retained.

Knowledge, skills, abilities and experience

• Self-motivated with the ability to take a proactive approach and work efficiently without supervision. 
• Comfortable in dealing with time critical client sensitive work.
• The ability to prioritise and organise workload and to work effectively under pressure and meet targets. 

• Drive and determination to complete work in a qualitative manner.

• An understanding of company law and insolvency law and practice.

• A robust working knowledge of the law relating to Finance related activity and practice.

• Good communication, influencing and interpersonal skills. The ability to foster productive working relationships with distressed client businesses. 

• Strong problem solving and negotiation skills.

• Experience of working in a financial or similar numerate environment and in particular awareness or experience of analysing financial information.

• IT/PC literate with ability to use Microsoft Office Packages. 

• Relevant professional qualification or minimum five years relevant industry experience.

• Driving Licence.

Desirable 

• Welsh speaker
• An awareness of SME business issues in Wales

SME Business Loan Relationship Manager - Yorkshire & Humber

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Relationship Manager from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background to join a team for a debt fund dedicated to the Yorkshire & Humber Region.

You will be responsible for origination, appraisal, and execution of loans to growing and innovative SME’s, from £25k to £250k. The debt fund was established to provide funding to scale up businesses which struggle to secure debt finance particularly new fast-growing companies which are too young to have a credit history.

Whilst the fund covers the whole of Yorkshire and Humber region, we require the successful applicant to be based in West Yorkshire. They should have an existing network of introducer contacts in this area, and there is a requirement to be in the stakeholders Barnsley office one day a week.

You will be expected to:

• build a pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, grow your existing network of introducers, and marketing the product to appropriate audiences
• carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• present proposals to the independent credit committee
• manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation.
• work alongside company solicitors to ensure all security requirements are met
• pro-actively manage client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• contribute to periodic stakeholder fund reporting.

Skills & Experience

You should demonstrate:

• significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where primary repayment source is future cashflow generation based on planned expansion
• strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans
• an established network of professional introduces in the West Yorkshire area
• ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.

• a high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365
• a diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays in England & Wales. You also get your birthday off and one day for a volunteering purpose.
• 8% contribution to employer pension scheme,
• Private medical scheme (50% employer contribution to premium)
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary.
• Health Cash plan scheme
• Income protection – covers up to 50% of salary for 2 years in event of long term illness/inability to work

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £325m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

Job Type: This is a fixed term contract for 18 months to tie in with the end of deployment period of the fund. There is a possibility that the deployment period will be extended.

Full-time, but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum on a pro rata basis.  

Strictly no agencies.

You must have unrestricted access to work in the UK

Please apply through the Linkedin advert here https://www.linkedin.com/talent/hire/1665646042

Job Title: Business Development Manager (Invoice Finance)

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000

Location: Reading

Vargo is recruiting for a boutique Invoice Finance business. Our client is well-established in the UK and has develop an expertise across various industry sectors. With a real ethos to nurture clients and offer a factoring solution where possible, our client is winning significant market share from the traditional banks and factoring providers. If you’re an experienced banker or sales professional with a strong background and broker network in commercial lending, please get in touch.

Responsibilities:

- Cultivate strong client relationships to enhance retention and ensure contract renewals.

- Assist Relationship Executives to optimize funding availability.

- Manage risk and recovery, conducting regular client reviews, visits, and audits.

- Contribute to Monthly Portfolio review meetings and risk discussions.

- Make funding decisions for clients, including setting invoice funding and credit limits.

- Lead onboarding for new clients, liaising with Sales.

- Support new business growth through effective communication and deal structuring.

- Handle customer matters in line with company values.

Requirements:

- Minimum 5 years experience in Invoice Finance or a related field.

- Proficient in analytical and reporting tasks.

- Must hold a valid UK driving license.

- Possession of a relevant ABFA/UK Finance qualification.

Benefits:

- Pension scheme

- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays

- Group bonus scheme

- Private medical insurance

- Healthcare cashback plan

Job Title: Trainee Business Development Manager

Salary: £32,500 (increasing to £40,000 over 12 months, subject to performance)

Location: Manchester, office-based 5 days a week

Vargo is hiring for a dynamic hard asset funder that offers hire purchase and leasing services to SMEs across the UK through a network of asset finance brokers. This role will address the rising demand for asset finance from SMEs, and brokers in the north region.

Responsibilities:

- Identify new business opportunities by approaching new introducers while maintaining relationships with existing contacts.

- As an external sales role, you'll conduct face-to-face meetings with brokers across the northern region

- Manage leads from the initial proposal stage to the final payout.

Requirements:

- Recent experience in the asset finance industry, ideally in a customer-facing or broker sales role for a funder.

- Suitable for individuals with limited or no track record in broker sales management.

- Sales-oriented with the ability to plan and manage high levels of activities and contact strategies.

- Must possess a full driving license and be a confident, experienced driver.

- Previous experience in credit appraisal is preferred, including reviewing searches, bank statements, and financials.

Benefits:

- Monthly commission and uncapped earnings.

- Realistic earnings within the first 18 months: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum.

- Fully paid company car.

- Pension and dental/medical care

#LI-PB1 

Job Title: Business Development Manager (Invoice Finance)

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000

Location: Reading

Vargo is recruiting for a boutique Invoice Finance business. Our client is well-established in the UK and has develop an expertise across various industry sectors. With a real ethos to nurture clients and offer a factoring solution where possible, our client is winning significant market share from the traditional banks and factoring providers. If you’re an experienced banker or sales professional with a strong background and broker network in commercial lending, please get in touch.

Responsibilities:

- Cultivate strong client relationships to enhance retention and ensure contract renewals.

- Assist Relationship Executives to optimize funding availability.

- Manage risk and recovery, conducting regular client reviews, visits, and audits.

- Contribute to Monthly Portfolio review meetings and risk discussions.

- Make funding decisions for clients, including setting invoice funding and credit limits.

- Lead onboarding for new clients, liaising with Sales.

- Support new business growth through effective communication and deal structuring.

- Handle customer matters in line with company values.

Requirements:

- Minimum 5 years experience in Invoice Finance or a related field.

- Proficient in analytical and reporting tasks.

- Must hold a valid UK driving license.

- Possession of a relevant ABFA/UK Finance qualification.

Benefits:

- Pension scheme

- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays

- Group bonus scheme

- Private medical insurance

- Healthcare cashback plan