Growth-Minded SME Relationship Manager & Lending

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.

Our vision is to reimagine Relationship Banking for established SMEs, through the very best people 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.

As a relatively new Bank, our customer portfolios are built to allow for growth, so new business development is a critical part of the role and so our Relationship Managers must be confident and capable of winning new business.

In addition to approaching potential SME customers directly, Relationship Managers will bring, and continue to build, a strong network of local trusted SME advisors such as accountants (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 business financial experts in the communities they serve.

This role is primarily focused on Growth & Business Development and the successful candidate will build their portfolio from scratch from new business they win within their local area and manage these relationships once onboarded. A strong Business Development mindset is therefore crucial. 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.
• Create and deliver the business plan for your area, including new business objectives, and actively managing your objectives and personal development plan.
• 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 promoting our values of Straightforward, Integrity, Collaborative and Delivery.
• 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.
• You will be able to demonstrate a history of exemplary level of service, and of exceeding new business targets.
• You will be able to demonstrate a passion for SMEs, be a self-starter and bring an entrepreneurial mindset to your work.
• 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
• 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.