At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and manage partnerships with fintech platforms to drive lending growth.
- Company: Established SME fintech lender known for speed and accuracy in lending.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hands-on support from leadership and a collaborative tech team.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of fintech partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership management and understanding of SME finance.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
My client is a profitable SME fintech lender with over 15 years of successful UK trading. They are best known for speed of delivery, streamlined lending process, and accurate credit decisions. Having multiple distribution channels, they are consistently overperforming on lending objectives and now attention is turning to further investment into their strategic partnership division.
After launching embedded partnerships in 2024, they have 3 flagship partners who now generate over 1/3 of the business's lending book and are looking to continue building out with new partners. Partners can be broad - any API integrated opportunity with a mutual SME customer base is one to consider. Think payment provider, acquirer, accounting tech platform, e-commerce platform.
We have a brilliant tech team enabling quick and bespoke integrations and a CEO and Director of Partnerships who are dedicated to the development of the channel. We are now looking for a talented partner manager to support. This is an attributes-based hire, looking for proactivity, commercial acumen, and understanding of the SME finance landscape.
If you like acquiring new logo partners or prefer management of existing ones, or maybe a combination of the two, this role can be catered to suit the right candidate as the Director of Partnership is hands-on to support.
Key responsibilities:
- Partner pipeline: Build and own a pipeline of partners across payments providers, ISOs, ISVs, PSPs, e-commerce and SaaS platforms, and open banking players.
- Embedded journeys: Design the embedded customer journey with Product and Tech, from offer display and application through to funding and repayment. Keep friction low and the experience on-brand for the partner.
- Integration: Scope integration requirements with partner product and engineering teams. Translate commercial goals into clear API, data-sharing, and workflow specifications.
- Onboarding and go-live: Lead partners from signed agreement to go-live: plans, milestones, testing, launch readiness, and partner enablement.
- Performance and growth: Track conversion and volume after launch. Run joint optimisation with each partner and grow lending volume over time.
- Commercial negotiation: Negotiate partnership terms, revenue share, and commercial models. Balance partner value with long-term commercial return.
- Market voice: Bring partner and market insight back into our product roadmap and proposition.
Success for us will be: Strategic partnerships take time to deliver lending volume, typically 6–9 months from signature. Looking to measure success on:
- By 6 months: A qualified pipeline across target partner segments; first partners signed; at least one integration live or in final testing; a clear embedded journey design agreed with Product and Tech.
- By 12 months: Multiple partners live; lending volume flowing and growing from onboarded partners; conversion data driving journey improvements; a repeatable onboarding playbook in place.
Partnerships Manager employer: CRS
At CRS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. As a Payments Finance Ops Leader, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of critical financial operations while working alongside talented professionals in a fast-paced environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions as we build a cutting-edge payments platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like CRS. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from CRS.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like CRS. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in CRS and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show CRS how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRS
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with CRS.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with CRS's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
