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 fosters a dynamic work culture in Greater London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth and success. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the finance and trade credit sector while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - Financial Institutions (FI) in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - Financial Institutions (FI) in London
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 Coface.
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 Coface'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 Coface
✨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 Coface.
✨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 Coface 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 Coface 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.
