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

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

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

Regional Business Development Manager - Southern UK

Greenlight Packaging is a dynamic and forward-thinking packaging company with its head office based in South Wales. They are committed to providing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable transit packaging solutions to a diverse business-to-business customer base. Due to continued growth and ambitious expansion plans, they are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Regional Business Development Manager to drive sales and build lasting relationships across the Southern UK counties.

Location: Remote based (Southern UK) with frequent travel across the region.

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned sales professional to play a pivotal role in expanding our client's presence in the Southern UK. Reporting to senior management, you will be responsible for a blend of strategic account management and proactive new business acquisition within the transit packaging sector. You will work with UK and international packaging wholesalers and distributors, leveraging your technical understanding of packaging solutions to deliver value and drive revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Portfolio Management: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with existing key accounts within the Southern UK, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• New Business Acquisition: Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities within the Southern UK, focusing on packaging wholesalers and distributors.
• Sales Strategy Implementation: Develop and execute effective sales strategies to achieve and exceed agreed sales targets and contribute to the overall business objectives.
• Product Expertise: Develop and maintain a deep understanding of our client's product portfolio, including technical specifications and benefits, to effectively present and demonstrate solutions to customers.
• Technical Presentations & Demonstrations: Conduct compelling product demonstrations and articulate the technical aspects of our client's packaging solutions to both technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Cross-selling & Upselling: Identify opportunities to introduce new and existing products and services to existing and potential customers.
• Market Awareness: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and market developments within the transit packaging sector.
• Reporting & Forecasting: Provide accurate and timely sales reports, forecasts, and market feedback to senior management.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including technical support, marketing, and customer service, to ensure seamless customer experiences.
• Frequent Travel: Undertake regular travel across the Southern UK to conduct customer visits, build relationships, and attend industry events.
• CRM Development: Utilize continuous improvement techniques to build and develop the CRM system, ensuring it effectively supports sales activities and provides valuable insights.
• Sales & Marketing Alignment: Work closely with the marketing team to develop and coordinate integrated sales and marketing activities to maximize lead generation and brand awareness.
• Strategic Influence: Support the Commercial Director and the wider sales team to influence future sales strategy and direction, contributing insights from the Southern UK market.

About You:

• Proven track record of several years of successful business development and sales experience within the transit or void packaging industry E.g. boxes, tape, labels etc
• Demonstrable experience selling to packaging wholesalers, distributors or resellers is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of various transit packaging materials, applications, and technical specifications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly and concisely.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented with a strong drive to achieve targets.
• Exceptional relationship-building and account management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a remote-based territory effectively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel frequently across the Southern UK.
• Experience in utilizing and developing CRM systems to enhance sales effectiveness.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with marketing teams to drive integrated campaigns.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to the broader sales strategy.

What They Offer:

• Competitive salary and commission structure.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Opportunity to work for a growing and ambitious company.
• Autonomy and responsibility within a defined regional territory.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development.

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