Business Development Director

Business Development Director

Sunderland Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new client growth and build relationships in commercial banking.
  • Company: Join a high-growth alternative lender transforming funding for UK SMEs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, uncapped bonuses, and significant autonomy.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, no-nonsense environment focused on client success.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial lending with a strong network and deal-closing track record.
  • Other info: Be part of a well-funded team aiming to double their loan book in three years.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We’ve partnered with a high-growth, alternative lender that’s redefining how funding is delivered to UK SMEs. With a no-nonsense, relationship-first approach, they’ve built a reputation for fast, agile, and commercially astute lending solutions — from property finance to working capital.

They’re now looking to appoint an experienced Business Development Director to drive new-to-bank client growth through their own network. This is a key hire, offering significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a real impact in a well-funded, ambitious business.

About the Lender:

  • Established over 15 years ago & grown a significant loan book across the regions they operate in, with lending up to £5m per deal
  • Recently secured significant additional capital, enabling them to build further, doubling the book over the next 3 years
  • Regional office network and a leadership team with serious pedigree
  • Personalised, solution-driven approach — no bureaucracy, no fluff

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

  • Are a seasoned commercial lender with a strong personal network of introducers, advisors, and direct SME relationships
  • Can evidence a consistent track record of originating and closing profitable deals
  • Want to join a lender that prioritises speed, autonomy, and client outcomes over process
  • Appreciate being financially rewarded for performance — uncapped bonus (paid every 6 months)
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Contact Detail:

Fintellect Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Director

✨Tip Number 1

Leverage your existing network to connect with potential clients and introducers. Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, and local business groups to spread the word about your interest in this role and the lender's unique offerings.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the lender's recent achievements and growth plans. Being well-informed about their capital acquisition and expansion strategy will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully originated and closed deals in the past. Highlighting your track record will showcase your ability to drive new-to-bank client growth effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Emphasise your alignment with the lender's values, particularly their focus on speed and client outcomes. Be ready to share how your approach to business development prioritises relationship-building and agile solutions over traditional processes.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director

Business Development
Relationship Management
Commercial Lending Expertise
Networking Skills
Sales Strategy
Negotiation Skills
Client Relationship Building
Market Analysis
Financial Acumen
Deal Structuring
Performance Tracking
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Autonomy and Initiative

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial lending and showcases your personal network. Emphasise any successful deals you've originated and closed, as this is crucial for the Business Development Director role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the lender's approach and values. Discuss how your background aligns with their no-nonsense, relationship-first philosophy and how you can contribute to their growth.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of your achievements in business development. Use metrics to demonstrate your success, such as the volume of deals closed or the growth of your client base.

Showcase Your Network: Mention your existing relationships with introducers, advisors, and SMEs in your application. This will illustrate your ability to drive new-to-bank client growth, which is a key requirement for the position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Fintellect Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Network

As a Business Development Director, your personal network is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific introducers and advisors you have worked with, and how these relationships have led to successful deals in the past.

✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Highlight your track record of originating and closing profitable deals. Bring concrete examples to the table that showcase your ability to navigate complex negotiations and achieve results.

✨Emphasise Autonomy and Speed

This lender values a no-nonsense approach. Be ready to explain how you thrive in environments that prioritise speed and autonomy, and provide examples of how you've successfully implemented this in your previous roles.

✨Align with Their Values

Research the company's culture and values. During the interview, express how your personal work ethic aligns with their relationship-first approach and solution-driven mindset, demonstrating that you're a perfect fit for their team.

Business Development Director
Fintellect Recruitment
Location: Sunderland
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