New Business Relationship Manager - Squad Lead London/SE

About Allica Bank

Allica is the UK’s fastest growing company - and the fastest-growing financial technology (Fintech) firm ever. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in fintech.

Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - representing over a third of our economy - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern fintech providers

Department Description

Our vision is to reimagine Relationship Banking for established SMEs, through the very best people, products and digital tools. We don’t pretend to have all the answers yet, and you will play a role in continuing to shape our offering.

Our Relationship Manager team was formed in 2022 and continues to grow with the Bank at pace. Providing every customer who opens an account with us with a Relationship Manager, to work alongside them and provide outstanding service, is core to our strategy.

In addition to providing outstanding service, our Relationship Managers build deep levels of understanding and trust with their customers, and get to understand their ambitions, goals and motivations. Allica Relationship Managers support their customers through the provision of appropriate Allica Bank products including Business Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Commercial Loans, Asset Finance and Working Capital Facilities.

All Relationship Manager roles at Allica Bank carry a requirement for new business acquisition as we continue to build the bank. Where portfolios are held, they are built to allow capacity to do this. Relationship Managers will bring – and continue to build – a strong network of trusted SME advisors such as accountants, solicitors, business organisations and others (but not commercial finance brokers – these are looked after by our dedicated broker team). We expect our Relationship Managers to be recognised as valued partners and experts in business finance by the communities they serve.

This role is a ‘player-manager’ role, focused on both Growth & Business Development against agreed objectives within your own area as well as leading, managing and developing a team of Growth Focused Relationship Managers. The successful candidate will build their portfolio from scratch and lead a team of Growth RMs to do the same. It is preferable that the successful candidate has both a strong track record in business development in financial services, as well as experience in leading teams to high performance. The role is an incredible opportunity for the right candidate to build and shape their own portfolio in addition to helping shape the future direction and strategy of the Relationship Team.

Principal Accountabilities

• Be the go-to SME Relationship Manager in your community through strong and trusted external relationships. You will be the face of Allica Bank in your business networks and will be expected to be highly active and visible in business groups and with professionals.

• Build and Relationship Manage a portfolio of SME customers, understanding customer’s needs and business aspirations, and looking for opportunities to support them via Allica Bank products and services and through your external network.

• Originating SME lending opportunities from initial enquiry through to completion, including writing credit papers in line with Allica’s credit policy and appetite as well as working with operational teams to ensure smooth delivery.

• Build deep, trusting and lasting relationships with customers you onboard and meet a variety of customer needs through the appropriate provision of Allica Bank products and services.

• Providing leadership, line management, capacity planning, coaching and development to support a regional team of Relationship Managers. Including regular performance reviews and interventions where required.

• Delivering the business plan and commercial performance of your local area, across your own portfolio and your teams.

• Making your colleagues proud that you represent Allica in your area, by ensuring excellent service for local SME customers, prospects and advisors.

• Working closely and collaboratively with all areas of Allica, including our Business Development and Accountancy Partnership Teams to maximise the opportunity to present a strong and unified proposition to our target markets.

• Being a positive contributor to Allica’s culture, and always demonstrating the Bank’s values.

• Complying with all mandatory policies, and adherence to operational procedures to maintain internal controls.

Personal Attributes & Experience

• Highly capable Business Developer and Relationship Manager with a long-term track record of building high-value, trust based and long-lasting referral relationships.

• You will need to have a strong understanding of SME banking, which must include a strong background in commercial lending.

• Experienced people manager with the ability to lead, motivate and manage a remote team.

• You will be able to demonstrate a history of exemplary level of service, and of exceeding new business targets.

• You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills together with evidence of strong career progression and/or outperformance.

• You’ll be able to evidence an ability to work expertly with customers, colleagues and advisors to structure new lending proposals and write credit applications.

• You’ll have a proven track record in providing excellent customer service, and in generating new income opportunities whilst effectively managing credit risk.

• You’ll demonstrate an ability to analyse and review financial accounts and associated information.

Working at Allica Bank

At Allica Bank we want to ensure our employees have the right tools and environment in which to succeed in their role and in support of our customers.

Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, so our benefits are designed with you in mind:

• Full onboarding support and continued development opportunities

• Options for flexible working

• Regular social activities

• 25 days holiday – with the option to Buy/Sell

• Pension contributions

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• Private health cover (with the option to add family members)

• Life assurance

• Income Protection

• Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave

• Season ticket loans

Don’t tick every box?

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills or requirements listed on the job description. If you think you’ll be a good fit, we’d still love to hear from you!

Flexible working

We know the ‘9-to-5’ isn’t right for everyone. That’s why Allica Bank is fully committed to flexible and hybrid working. Please let us know what is best for you and, if we can, we will do our best to accommodate.

Diversity

We’re a diverse bunch here at Allica, with all kinds of experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our openness and differences make us stronger, and we want everybody to feel comfortable bringing as much of themselves to work with them as they like.