At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue growth and build strategic relationships in the financial institutions sector.
- Company: Join Coface, a global leader in trade solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Dynamic international environment, exposure to senior leadership, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Coface is certified as a Great Place to Work®.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in trade finance while working with top professionals.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Trade Finance or Credit Insurance with strong sales skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Company Description
At Coface we make trade happen every day. Our 5,200 experts representing 80+ nationalities in 58 countries are united by a shared purpose: helping companies navigate through uncertainty by empowering them to make the right decisions and trade smarter in a complex world. With nearly 80 years of global experience, we offer companies a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring — all driven by a unique data patrimony, cutting-edge technology, innovation and a deep understanding of the global economy. Joining Coface means being part of a close-knit international organization, where your ideas matter. We foster a culture of learning, collaboration and inclusion where you are given responsibilities and can see the impact of your actions. Shape the future of trade with us. Join our team!
Job Description
The Sales Manager – Financial Institutions (UKI) is responsible for driving revenue growth and deepening strategic client relationships across Coface’s Financial Institutions portfolio in the UK and Ireland. The role focuses on originating new business, expanding key FI relationships, and maximising cross‑selling opportunities across Coface’s Trade Credit Insurance and wider product suite. Working closely with Commercial, Underwriting and Risk teams globally, the Sales Manager plays a leading role in structuring and delivering complex trade finance insurance solutions for banks and non-bank financial institutions. This role is highly client-facing and commercial in nature, with accountability for sales performance, portfolio growth and client retention.
Key duties & responsibilities:
- Revenue & Growth
- Drive new business acquisition and portfolio growth across UK & Ireland financial institutions, including global banks, alternative finance providers, asset managers and other financial sponsors.
- Identify, originate and close profitable sales opportunities across Trade Credit Insurance and adjacent products (including structured trade finance solutions).
- Develop and execute a clear FI sales strategy aligned with UKI and regional growth priorities.
- Lead major new business pitches, negotiations and onboarding of new FI clients.
- Structure transactions in partnership with Underwriting to ensure commercial viability, scalability and long-term profitability.
- Client & Market Leadership
- Build and maintain trusted senior-level relationships with key decision-makers across FI clients.
- Act as a market-facing ambassador for Coface in the FI sector, supporting external events, conferences and targeted marketing initiatives.
- Provide insight into market trends, regulatory developments and client needs to influence product development and go-to-market strategy.
- Clearly articulate Coface’s value proposition and differentiation within the FI and trade finance ecosystem.
- Team & Internal Collaboration
- Lead, coach and inspire the FI sales and account management resource, setting clear commercial objectives and performance expectations.
- Work closely with Commercial, Risk, Underwriting, Legal and Group stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet client needs while respecting Coface’s risk appetite.
- Translate strategic objectives into actionable sales plans, KPIs and pipeline priorities.
- Ensure seamless coordination across local, regional and global teams to support multinational FI clients.
- Governance & Risk
- Ensure all activity is conducted in line with Group policies, underwriting frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Risk and Legal teams to support robust deal structuring and appropriate policy wording in response to evolving market and regulatory demands.
Leadership Scope
Direct responsibility for sales performance and portfolio outcomes within the UKI FI segment. Strong stakeholder collaboration with regional and group FI leadership.
Qualifications
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in Trade Finance, Credit Insurance or FI-related financial services, with a strong commercial and client-facing focus.
- Proven sales leadership track record, including originating, negotiating and closing complex FI transactions.
- Demonstrated success in growing revenue and managing high-value client relationships profitably.
Skills & Capabilities
- Exceptional sales, negotiation and relationship-building skills with senior FI stakeholders.
- Deep understanding of Trade Credit Insurance solutions and their application within trade finance structures.
- Strong commercial judgment, comfortable balancing growth ambition with risk discipline.
- Confident presenter and influencer with excellent communication skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong drive for results and market impact.
Education
- Degree qualified (Business, Finance or related).
- Master’s degree / MBA desirable.
Additional Information
Why Join Coface? At Coface, we offer a dynamic, international working environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the success and expansion of our UK business. You will work alongside high-calibre professionals in a fast-paced, strategic role with strong exposure to senior leadership and cross-border collaboration. If you are a commercially minded professional looking for an exciting opportunity to make an impact, we invite you to apply. Coface UK & Ireland Certified as a Great Place to Work®.
Sales Manager - Financial Institutions (FI) in London employer: Coface
Coface is an exceptional employer that champions a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where your contributions are valued and can significantly impact the success of our UK and Ireland operations. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development alongside high-calibre colleagues in a fast-paced environment, all while being recognised as a Great Place to Work®. Join us to shape the future of trade and thrive in a role that offers both challenge and reward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - Financial Institutions (FI) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet potential employers and other professionals in the financial institutions sector. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for trade finance!
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Update your profile with relevant skills and experiences, and engage with content related to Trade Credit Insurance. Connect with decision-makers at companies like Coface to get on their radar.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand Coface’s value proposition and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to discuss how you can drive revenue growth and client relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Coface and making an impact in the financial institutions space.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - Financial Institutions (FI) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Sales Savvy:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your sales experience and achievements. We want to see how you've driven revenue growth and built strong client relationships in the past. Use specific examples to showcase your skills!
Tailor Your Application:Don't just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Sales Manager role at Coface. Mention how your background aligns with our focus on Trade Credit Insurance and financial institutions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coface
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Coface's offerings, especially in Trade Credit Insurance and financial institutions. Understand their market position and recent developments. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, particularly in Trade Finance or Credit Insurance. Be ready to discuss how you originated and closed complex transactions, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive revenue growth for Coface.
✨Build Rapport with Key Decision-Makers
Since the role is highly client-facing, practice how you'll establish trust with senior-level stakeholders. Think about how you can convey your relationship-building skills and provide insights into market trends that could benefit Coface’s clients.
✨Align with Their Values
Coface values collaboration and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively in teams and contributed to a positive work culture. Highlight any experiences where your ideas led to successful outcomes, showing that you can fit into their close-knit organisation.
