Principal Banker

Principal Banker

Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage project teams in structuring and executing supply chain finance transactions.
  • Company: Join the EBRD, a pioneering international bank focused on sustainable development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid workplace, competitive benefits, and a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and diverse experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global finance while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; strong financial analysis and leadership skills essential.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development London Both national and international Senior level Speaks English

The Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for all types of investment instruments offered by the Bank.

The Principal Banker will act both as a senior member of a project team or as an operation leader (typically on less complex transactions than an Associate Director, Senior Banker).

The Principal Banker, in their role as an operation leader, is expected to take responsibility for effective leadership of their project team/s, supervision of junior banking staff, while contributing to their coaching and providing mentoring assistance, as required.

The Principal Banker’s role also includes elements of business/pipeline development, client management and policy dialogue.

  • Accountabilities & Responsibilities
  • Structuring and Execution
  • Work as a senior project team member with more experienced operation leaders on Supply Chain Finance (SCF) transactions, including receivables finance, payable finance, distributor finance and other working capital solutions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution, including supporting the operation leader with the management of the project team;
  • Lead origination of new SCF opportunities with corporates, aggregators, partner banks and technology platforms to expand EBRD’s market presence.

• As an operation leader

  • Lead the structuring, negotiation (including negotiating Term Sheet and commercial terms, and review of legal documentation) and the execution of SCF programmes, working with clients, partner banks, consultants and internal units;
  • Manage the resources and the work load of the project teams under their supervision;
  • Oversee the project due diligence process ensuring it meets the Bank’s standards;
  • Ensure quality and appropriateness of Technical Cooperation assistance components which support the investments or contribute to policy dialogue initiatives;
  • Support mobilisation activities and co-financing opportunities with commercial banks, development finance institutions and other market participants where relevant
  • Ensure that all transactions within their responsibility are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard (including all internal memoranda and Board reports) and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of the Bank.
  • Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting
  • As a senior project team member perform all such tasks as may be assigned by the operation leader and provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice, guidance and supervision to more junior members of the project team.

• As operation leader

  • Take overall responsibility for the effective monitoring of all SCF programmes within the portfolio, including verifying the quality of regular monitoring reports; taking the lead in maintaining or supervising the management of client relationships; actively managing the resolution of any implementation/monitoring issues in cooperation with relevant Portfolio Managers; managing and supervising more junior bankers who assist in portfolio monitoring;
  • Monitor programme utilisation, portfolio performance, concentration risks, obligor performance and operational developments across SCF structures.
  • Supervise implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, relevant TC assignments to ensure their compliance with donor reporting requirements, operational objectives and that all reports are of a high quality;
  • Take responsibility for ensuring timely notification of any critical portfolio issues to the relevant Portfolio Manager and/or Management, ensuring availability of adequate data and information for the Portfolio Manager and/or Management to be able to take timely decisions.
  • Identify and proactively manage implementation issues, operational challenges and emerging risks in coordination with Portfolio Management, Risk Management and other relevant departments;
  • Monitor achievement of programme objectives, transition impact and additionality indicators.
  • In cooperation with relevant units within the Bank (e. g., Policy VP, OCE) and Banking country teams (if applicable), contribute to policy dialogue, in a leading role (project level initiatives) or supporting function (national level initiatives);
  • Contribute to the development of legal, regulatory and market frameworks that support the expansion of supply chain finance and working capital solutions across EBRD countries of operation
  • Assist in providing necessary support, in the form of relevant information or documentation or meeting participation, towards efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds to complement investment projects or required as part of policy dialogue efforts.
  • Business Development
  • Assist with marketing and business development efforts in the relevant sector and countries to build reputable market contacts in order to identify and originate new SCF opportunities through partner financial institutions, corporates, fintech platforms, alternative funders and other market participants.
  • Assist with the critical screening of project proposal flow that is generated through business development efforts, liaising with other colleagues and teams within the Bank to identify sound and executable investments that meet the mandate of the Bank.
  • Analyses the supply chain finance requirements of partner financial institutions and their corporate clients and supports their in the development of their supply chain finance business.
  • Contributes to the enhancement of the supply chain finance offering of EBRD by addressing identified improvement areas, including profitability optimization, technological capability upgrades, and other strategic development priorities.
  • Supports evolution of the product offering in line with market dynamics and regulatory developments
  • Manages onboarding of new partner financial institutions and support operationalizing EBRD’s participation in supply chain finance programs originated by technology platforms.
  • Staff Management
  • Assist in recruiting, training, coaching and mentoring junior bankers, in coordination with the team Director and Associate Directors, Senior Bankers, involving them in all aspects of the project cycle (appraisal, execution, implementation, monitoring and business development), ensuring adequate quality of project work and appropriate work load distribution amongst the project team members; contribute to their professional and competency development;
  • Develop productive relationships within the organisation to able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment.
  • Share SCF product knowledge, market intelligence and best practices across the Bank and support capability-building initiatives.
  • Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and development.

Where matrix reporting is in place, work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff.

  • Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

The responsibilities of the Principal Banker are designed to allow for the development of transaction expertise and expansion of responsibilities, leading to assuming the role of Senior Banker.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise.
  • Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable.
  • Strong quantitative/numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret financial information and to design and use financial models.
  • Credit analysis skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding local and international accounting principles and practice of credit analysis.
  • Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spread sheet packages including financial analysis and modelling modules.
  • Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes.
  • Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills.
  • Relationship management and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Good command over the local/country language is an advantage.

Experience & Knowledge

  • Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards.
  • Practical experience of participating in transaction structuring, negotiation and execution with financial institutions and corporate clients and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle.
  • Knowledge of international trade finance and supply chain finance products, including guarantees, letters of credit, receivables finance, payables finance, distributor finance, and other working capital solutions.
  • Experience in structuring and implementing risk-sharing, funded and unfunded trade finance programme
  • Understanding of trade and supply chain finance technology platforms and digital trade solutions.
  • Relevant industry/country (as applicable) experience might be mandatory, including understanding of country/regional/sector dynamics and trends –depending on the specifics of the position
  • What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience!

You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work.

  • We bring these to life through our
  • Workplace

Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact.

These principles shape our culture and define our success.

We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with

  • Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
  • A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity.

Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.

  • A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
  • An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
  • A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.

As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment.

The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

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Principal Banker employer: EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

At EBRD London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and professional development programmes, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers. With a focus on impactful projects in supply chain finance, you will be part of a dynamic environment that values innovation and strategic thinking, making your contributions both meaningful and rewarding.

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Contact Details:

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Banker

Tap into Campus Networks

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Banker

Project Development
Project Structuring
Execution Management
Supply Chain Finance (SCF)
Negotiation Skills
Client Management
Portfolio Monitoring

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.

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How to prepare for a job interview at EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

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Prepare for Case Studies

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Show Your Passion for Finance

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Network with Industry Professionals

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