At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with SMEs to understand their funding needs and guide them through the loan application process.
- Company: Join Allica Bank, the UK's fastest-growing fintech firm dedicated to supporting established SMEs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private health cover, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique experiences and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping local businesses thrive with tailored financial solutions.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in business development or finance, strong communication skills, and a knack for numbers.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
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.
Role Description
Our new product is a business loan for established UK SMEs, with fixed monthly repayments over 3 to 6 years. Most of the businesses we will be speaking to already know us, so the job is to reach the right people, understand what they need and take good applications from first conversation through to a funded loan. You will be the person who owns that journey day to day: calling and emailing existing customers, running outreach campaigns, collecting the information we need to underwrite, and keeping the pipeline accurate so the team can see what is working. You will work closely with Risk, Legal and Data, and report progress to senior leadership each week.
Principal Accountabilities
- Make outbound calls to existing and previous customers, hold clear discovery conversations about what they need the funding for, and record every outcome in HubSpot.
- Maintain a consistent follow up routine.
- Collect bank statements or Open Banking connections and any other documents needed, and pass complete applications to Underwriting with the context they need.
- Explain loan terms, pricing, arrangement fees and personal guarantees clearly and accurately, and know when to hand a question to Risk or Compliance rather than answer it yourself.
- Support customers through offer, KYC refresh, legal documents and direct debit set up until the loan is funded.
- Treat declines and customers who are not interested with care, and refer customers elsewhere only with their consent.
- Run outreach campaigns across email, statement emails, SMS, Whatsapp and LinkedIn, working with the Data team on audiences and reviewing the results.
- Keep the CRM up to date, tidy and consistent, including the reason for every rejection or decision not to proceed.
- Provide weekly reports on calls made, conversations held, applications, offers and funded loans, and flag what is and isn't working.
- Work closely with Risk, Legal and Data to keep applications moving and customers well served.
- Comply with all mandatory policies and adhere to operational procedures to maintain internal controls.
Personal Attributes & Experience
- 1-3 years of experience in a commercial business development or relationship role, ideally in lending, finance or fintech.
- Confident and credible on the phone with small business owners and directors, and comfortable making a high volume of calls.
- Clear, accurate written communication, and the discipline to follow up and keep records up to date.
- Strong numerical ability, with the confidence to work with loan amounts, interest rates, terms, repayments and fees.
- Organised, self-directed and able to manage a busy pipeline of customers at different stages.
- Honest and careful about what can and cannot be promised to a customer, in a regulated environment.
- Knowledge of SME lending, including unsecured loans, personal guarantees or government-backed schemes.
- Experience with a CRM such as HubSpot, and with email or SMS campaign tools.
- Familiarity with Open Banking, KYC and credit underwriting processes.
- Experience of working with brokers or introducers.
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.
- Pension contributions.
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
- Private health cover.
- Life assurance.
- Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave.
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.
Commercial Executive employer: Allica Bank
Allica Bank is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration within the thriving fintech sector. As an Emerging SME Relationship Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth while engaging with the local business community to foster meaningful relationships. With competitive benefits and a commitment to innovation, Allica Bank stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Executive
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Allica Bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Allica Bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Allica Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allica Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Allica Bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Allica Bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Allica Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
