Lending Manager

As a Lending Manager at Recognise Bank, your primary responsibilities will include managing commercial property secured loans, handling loan proposals from referral to drawdown, and ensuring timely collection of customer information. You’ll collaborate closely with Business Development and Credit Partners while actively managing loan portfolios and optimizing credit risk exposure. Additionally, building and maintaining strong customer relationships to drive repeat business is crucial for this role.

To qualify for the Lending Manager position at Recognise Bank, you should typically have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in loan execution, credit analysis, and portfolio management. A strong understanding of commercial property secured lending and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks with high accuracy under tight deadlines are essential. Experience delivering outstanding customer service is also crucial for this role.

The Lending Manager plays a vital role in enhancing customer experience at Recognise Bank by ensuring that all lending processes are smooth and customer-centric. By proactively managing loans, providing timely responses, and building strong relationships with clients and external advisors, the Lending Manager ensures that customers feel valued and supported throughout their borrowing journey.

Recognise Bank believes in supporting work-life balance for its employees, including Lending Managers. You’ll enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and have the opportunity to work from anywhere for four weeks each year. Additionally, the hybrid working model allows for three days in the office and two days remote, providing flexibility to balance professional and personal commitments.

Recognise Bank prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and shared success. As a Lending Manager, you will be part of a diverse team that values each member’s contribution. The bank is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and be a fundamental part of shaping the future of banking for SMEs.

When answering this question, highlight your specific years of experience and the types of commercial properties you’ve worked with. Discuss the processes you've managed, challenges you've faced, and how you overcame them, emphasizing your knowledge of the lending landscape.

Describe your thorough understanding of KYC processes and the importance of adhering to regulations. Mention practical steps such as conducting due diligence, client verification procedures, and how you maintain up-to-date documentation, which all showcase your attention to detail.

Discuss your strategies for staying organized and proactive with your loan portfolio. You might mention tools and systems you use for tracking loan performance, how you address arrears, and your approach to maintaining strong communication with clients.

Talk about your relationship-building strategies, such as regular communications, understanding client needs, and establishing trust. Share examples of how these relationships have led to repeat business or referrals, demonstrating your ability to foster solid partnerships.

Explain your time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks, setting clear deadlines, and perhaps using project management tools. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully balanced multiple responsibilities, ensuring quality isn’t compromised.

Prepare to share a specific example where you identified an inefficiency and implemented a solution that enhanced the lending process. This shows your proactive mindset and dedication to improving the customer experience.

Detail your analysis approach by discussing the factors you consider, such as credit scores, business models, and cash flow analysis. Convey how your analytical skills enable you to make sound lending decisions that minimize risk.

Discuss qualities such as strong analytical skills, excellent communication, customer-centric mindset, and adaptability. Explain how these qualities contribute to success in handling loans and relationships.

Reflect on the bank's mission, culture, and values, linking them to your personal goals and professional aspirations. Mention how you are excited about contributing to a company that values SMEs and considers customer experience a priority.

Highlight how you stay informed about market trends by following industry news, engaging with professional networks, and attending relevant webinars or conferences. Stress your commitment to continuous learning to enhance your expertise.