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Director of Commercial, Personal Loans and Motor Finance

Our Story

 

Hello there. We’re Zopa.

 

We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank. A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. Find out more about our fantastic offerings at Zopa.com


We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. 


If you embrace unconventional challenges, are unafraid to think differently and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa, so join us, and make it count. Want to see us in action? Follow us on Instagram @zopalife


We are looking for a commercially focussed Product Director to join our Loansand Motor Finance tribe looking after the product P&Ls and the long term growth agenda. The role will balance the need to manage near term financial outcomes (leveraging our analytics teams to alter pricing/credit policy) with the need to invest for future growth through a series of larger product-based bets. 


We launched our loan proposition nearly 20 years ago, starting as the UK’s first peer to peer lender before turbo charging our growth in 2020 as we transitioned into a bank. Ourmotor finance product is more recent, starting out in 2017 before growing significantly from 2020. 

We are currently the largest open market loan provider as well as a rising star in the motor finance world. We are always looking to challenge ourselves on how we can continue growing and putting our world class product in the hands of more customers. 


This is a high ownership role with significant visibility. It involves setting the long term direction for our two largest lending products, working with product managers, analysts and our partnerships team to deliver our vision. You will also own the commercial management of both products where you will be working with the lending analytics team to recommend pricing/strategic decisions to the senior management team. You will need to collaborate to get to the right answer, drawing on our best-in-class analytics customer insights and industry context to make sure the roadmap is always the best that it can be. 

Despite having a great team around you, you will need to be happy and able to get your hands dirty as there are always opportunities that we could be looking at. This may involve building simple financial forecasts, validating commercial viability, facilitating/taking part in ideation sessions, collaborating with the wider business in improving the conduct or operational risk of the product or supporting the launch of a large new project. 


You will be influential insetting the long-term direction for ~5 tech teams (30-40 engineers), multiple analytical teams (~10 analysts) and work closely with the product management team to deliver the change you need to grow our products. You will need to be able to inspire these teams to deliver at their very best despite. This will require diverse leadership skills that can empathise with a variety of viewpoints and draw the best out of the individuals. 


This is an opportunity that can give a lot of scope to supercharge your career within a fast-scaling FinTech that is looking to IPO soon. If this challenge excites you, we'd love to hear from you! 


A day in the life...
  • Own and manage the commercial outcomes for Zopa’s most profitable products. 
  • Collaborate across product, analytics, tech and design to make sure that outteams havecompelling roadmaps that will deliver both short and long-term goals. 
  • Work alongside our partnerships team to build lasting relationships with our brand partners. 
  • Implement processes/frameworks to monitor and drive insight on our loan productsto understand how different aspects are performing. 
  • Influence teams outside of loansto understand wider context and make sure that we capitalise on opportunities to solve the same issue or drive the same benefit across multiple areas with one change. You will also need to drive cross-tribe prioritisation and stakeholder management given how our systems fit together. 
  • Stay up to date with industry and wider market trends that may inform our strategy. 
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, industry bodies, partners and other market participants. 


About you...
  • As an experienced leader, you are enthusiastic about the journey we’re on. You aim to make a significant impact, showcasing the products you’ve built and their successes. Even if you haven’t developed a product from scratch, you can highlight the metrics you’ve significantly improved for previous products. 
  • Your analytical skills are highly developed, enabling you to balance commercial considerations with risk management effectively. 
  • You’re eager to collaborate as part of a cross-functional team to achieve your shared goal. You consider engineers, designers, analysts, and other key stakeholders as your essential teammates. 
  • Your passion for data is evident – you understand that informed decisions stem from insights, whether from our data warehouse, research, or other sources. You excel at synthesising this information to create compelling commercial business cases. 
  • You are outcomes-focused, with a bias for action that ensures continuous testing and learning towards our goals. Perfection is not your priority; progress is. 
  • You have strong experience managing the P&L (profit and loss) of a product, area or feature, carefully balancing both long and short-term outcomes. 
  • Delivering high-quality work at pace is second nature to you. You thrive in fast-paced environments and your ability to manage a diverse range of stakeholders is exceptional, fostering collaboration and alignment across the board. 


#LI-HS1


Flexible working? Yes please!

 

At Zopa we value flexible ways of working. We understand the benefits of face-to-face collaboration and the importance of a good work-life balance. Our teams work in a hybrid manner, from our vibrant UK offices and the comfort of their own homes, at a frequency that suits the team and the work they do.

 

Not only that – you'll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year!* But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.


*Subject to having the right to work in the country of choice


Diversity Statement


Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments. 

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CEO of Zopa
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Jaidev Janardana
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Average salary estimate

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$100000K
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What You Should Know About Director of Commercial, Personal Loans and Motor Finance, Zopa

Meet Zopa, a groundbreaking company on a mission to reshape finance. We launched in 2005 as the first ever peer-to-peer lending firm and evolved into Zopa Bank in 2020, prioritizing our customers' needs and preferences. As the Director of Commercial, Personal Loans and Motor Finance in London, you will play a pivotal role in driving the commercial heart of our two largest lending products. You'll be at the intersection of achieving short-term financial results and investing in future growth—an exciting balancing act! This high-visibility position requires you to lead a talented team, collaborating with product managers and analysts while leveraging data-driven insights to determine pricing and strategic initiatives. Your day-to-day will include hands-on problem-solving like building financial forecasts and managing P&Ls, all while inspiring around 30-40 engineers and a team of analysts. We are looking for someone who is not only outcome-focused and analytical but is also passionate about collaboration across teams. You’ll have the chance to significantly impact both our product direction and the financial wellbeing of our customers. Joining Zopa means becoming part of an innovative journey in the financial landscape, where your contributions can spark transformative changes. Are you ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in this vital role? We can't wait to meet you! Explore more about us at Zopa.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director of Commercial, Personal Loans and Motor Finance Role at Zopa
What are the responsibilities of the Director of Commercial at Zopa?

The Director of Commercial at Zopa is responsible for managing the P&L of our personal loans and motor finance products, collaborating across teams to ensure both immediate and long-term financial outcomes. This role involves setting strategic directions, leveraging insights from analytics, and driving cross-functional teamwork to prioritize product roadmaps.

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What qualifications are required for the Director of Commercial role at Zopa?

Candidates for the Director of Commercial position at Zopa should possess strong leadership experience, analytical skills, and a track record of managing P&Ls. A passion for data-driven decision-making, alongside cross-functional collaboration abilities, are essential to excel in this role within the fast-paced FinTech environment.

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How does the Director of Commercial contribute to Zopa's growth?

In the Director of Commercial role, you'll identify and capitalize on growth opportunities for Zopa's lending products. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, you will implement strategic initiatives while collaborating with tech, product, and partnerships teams to broaden Zopa's reach in personal loans and motor finance.

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What makes Zopa a unique place to work for the Director of Commercial?

Zopa stands out by fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it an exciting workplace for the Director of Commercial. As we challenge conventional finance norms, you'll have the chance to make a tangible impact in a fun, diverse environment that values learning, progress, and flexible working arrangements.

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Can you describe the working environment for the Director of Commercial at Zopa?

The working environment for the Director of Commercial at Zopa is dynamic and collaborative, accommodating both in-office and remote work. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance and offer the flexibility to work from various locations, including the option to work abroad for up to 120 days a year, allowing you to thrive in a way that suits you best.

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Common Interview Questions for Director of Commercial, Personal Loans and Motor Finance
What strategies would you implement to manage the P&L for Zopa's lending products?

To effectively manage the P&L, I'd assess current performance metrics, identify key drivers of profitability, and implement data-driven pricing strategies. Collaborating with analytics teams would allow for precise adjustments and ensure that operational costs are managed while maximizing sales growth.

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How do you prioritize product features in a fast-paced environment?

Prioritization in a fast-paced environment is best approached with clear objectives and alignment across teams. I would utilize frameworks like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) to objectively evaluate features, ensuring they align with both immediate goals and long-term strategy.

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Can you give an example of how you have used data to improve product performance?

In my previous role, I analyzed user engagement metrics and feedback to identify friction points in a loan application process. Armed with this data, I proposed enhancements that reduced application time by 20%, leading to a significant increase in conversion rates.

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What is your approach to cross-functional collaboration?

I believe in fostering an open communication culture that encourages input from all stakeholders. Regular check-ins and encouraging a shared understanding of goals help ensure that everyone feels involved, ultimately leading to cohesive strategy execution.

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How do you stay updated on market trends related to personal loans and motor finance?

I utilize a combination of industry reports, competitor analysis, and networking events to keep abreast of market trends. Additionally, I engage with professional organizations and online forums specific to FinTech to gather insights and best practices.

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Describe a time you influenced a change within your team.

In one instance, I identified that a lack of clear objectives was hindering our team's performance. I facilitated a workshop to collaboratively set SMART goals, which not only aligned our efforts but also motivated the team, resulting in improved efficiency and morale.

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What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful product director?

Key qualities include strong analytical skills, effective communication, adaptability, and a customer-centric mindset. Additionally, an ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams is crucial to align diverse perspectives towards common goals.

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How do you handle tight deadlines without compromising quality?

I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance and advocate for agile methodologies to accommodate quick iterations. By collaborating closely with my team, we identify pain points early and ensure we remain focused on delivering key results without sacrificing quality.

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What role does customer feedback play in your product strategy?

Customer feedback is invaluable in shaping product strategy. I ensure regular collection and analysis of customer insights to inform product improvements, ensuring we address real needs, thereby maximizing user satisfaction and loyalty.

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How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive. I believe in empowering team members by encouraging their input and fostering a culture of trust. This not only enhances engagement but also sparks innovative ideas that contribute to our successful outcomes.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
December 6, 2024

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