At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and analyse SME & Consumer lending portfolios to optimise performance.
- Company: DF Capital, an innovative bank transforming finance for consumers and small businesses.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, generous pension contributions, gym membership, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making impactful financial decisions in a vibrant Manchester office.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in commercial lending with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re DF Capital – a specialist bank providing award-winning commercial finance, retail finance, and savings products to consumers and small businesses. Based in Manchester, we serve thousands of customers across the UK and into Europe, supporting their ambitions with tailored financial solutions. We help our customers realise their ambitions by doing things differently – combining the agility and innovation of a specialist lender with the security and service standards of a regulated bank.
In 2025, we launched DF Capital Retail Finance – a subsidiary of DF Capital Bank Limited – to offer specialist hire purchase solutions to retail customers. Our goal is simple: to do the absolute best for our customers, our communities, and each other.
YOUR NEW ROLE:
Our Credit & Portfolio team sits at the heart of the business, overseeing all aspects of the customer journey from onboarding to recovery. You’ll join the DF Capital Lending Decisioning, Credit & Portfolio team with responsibility for the monitoring, analysis and optimisation of the SME & Consumer lending portfolio. The role focuses on assessing portfolio performance, identifying emerging risks and providing insights to support credit strategy, risk management and commercial decision making. You will be detail driven, diligent, meticulous, and considered in your approach, spotting, and escalating issues early to drive the best possible outcomes for the Bank and our customers. A good level of proficiency in using Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe and other presentational materials is required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting
- Analyse the performance of the SME loan portfolio (arrears, defaults, recoveries, yields)
- Produce regular MI packs for senior stakeholders
- Track key credit metrics such as PD, LGD, and EAD
- Monitor sector, geographic, and concentration risks
- Identify early warning signs of portfolio deterioration
- Conduct trend analysis across industries and borrower types
- Support stress testing and scenario analysis
- Assist in IFRS 9 provisioning and ECL modelling
- Extract and analyse large datasets (Excel, SQL, Python)
- Develop dashboards (using Power BI, Tableau)
- Provide actionable insights to stakeholders
- Support development of credit policies and risk appetite
- Evaluate new lending strategies and product changes
- Assist in pricing and profitability analysis
- Ensure internal Credit reporting aligns with regulatory expectations
- Support audits and maintain data quality
Requirements
- 3+ years in commercial lending (or similar roles) to small & medium sized businesses with experience in one or more of the following areas: inventory financing, dealer stocking, leasing, asset finance, trade finance or ABL, including invoice finance.
- Ability to deliver against deadlines, articulate outputs from own analysis, recommendations and basis of decisions clearly and to a varied audience including SLT.
- Writing comprehensive reports including the basis for your recommendations.
- You will have excellent attention to detail, with the ability to conduct detailed statistical analysis, interpreting and articulating meaningful information from trends and statistics.
- Ability to work well on your own and as part of a team, building effective working relationships with colleagues across all areas of the business, and influencing others to take appropriate actions to address issues found.
Essential
- Experience in banking or financial services (SME preferred)
- Strong Excel skills
- Understanding of PD, LGD, ECL, IFRS 9
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Desirable
- SQL, Python or R experience
- Knowledge of UK regulatory environment preferred
- Experience in portfolio modelling or stress testing
Qualifications
- Degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics or similar
- Professional qualifications (CFA, FRM, ACA, ACCA) desirable
Benefits
- Private medical insurance for you and your family
- 10% Employer pension contribution
- 30-day annual leave entitlement plus Bank/Public Holidays
- Free Gym Membership
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Discretionary share awards
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Save As You Earn company share acquisition scheme.
- Tax efficient salary sacrifice scheme to obtain bicycles and electric vehicles.
- 3 days paid Volunteering leave to support our local communities.
- Vibrant office location in the lively city centre of Manchester.
Portfolio Manager in Manchester employer: DF Capital
Contact Detail:
DF Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DF Capital and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission of supporting customers and communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Since the role involves assessing portfolio performance, brush up on your Excel and data analysis techniques. Being able to demonstrate these skills in an interview will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the DF Capital team.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Portfolio Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial lending and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be sure to include examples of your analytical work. Whether it's using Excel, SQL, or Python, let us know how you've used these tools to drive insights and support decision-making.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate candidates who can articulate their ideas well, especially when it comes to complex topics like credit strategy and risk management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at DF Capital
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with key metrics like PD, LGD, and EAD. Brush up on these concepts before your interview, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you understand the financial landscape and can contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've conducted trend analysis or risk assessments in previous positions. Be specific about the tools you used, like Excel or SQL, and the insights you derived. This will demonstrate your analytical prowess and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for the role.
✨Tailor Your Presentation Skills
Since proficiency in PowerPoint and other presentation tools is required, practice presenting your findings clearly and concisely. Consider creating a mock presentation based on a portfolio analysis you've done before. This will help you feel more confident and show that you can communicate effectively with stakeholders.
✨Understand DF Capital's Values
Familiarise yourself with DF Capital's mission and values. Think about how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding customer service and community support. Being able to articulate this connection during your interview will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.