At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and drive sustainable growth in a purpose-led financial services organisation.
- Company: A dynamic financial services firm focused on sustainability and social impact.
- Benefits: Influential C-suite role with significant impact on community and environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and create a high-performance culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a positive difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in financial services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to combine commercial leadership with genuine environmental and social impact. Our client is a highly purpose-led financial services organisation with sustainability and positive social impact at the heart of its proposition. Having successfully completed a major core banking transformation, the organisation is now entering an exciting new phase — focused on translating that investment into sustainable commercial growth, stronger financial resilience, enhanced member experiences and greater impact.
The organisation is seeking an ambitious and commercially astute Chief Commercial Officer (SMF18) to play a pivotal role in delivering that next phase. This is an opportunity for an experienced financial services leader to use their commercial expertise in an environment where profitability and purpose are not competing priorities. Growth matters, but so does how that growth is achieved and the positive difference it creates for members, communities and the environment.
The role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the Executive Team, the Chief Commercial Officer will have a broad and influential remit spanning commercial strategy, product, proposition, pricing, distribution, marketing, membership and customer experience. The role will lead the development and execution of the organisation's commercial strategy, translating its strategic ambitions into sustainable growth in members, balances, income and impact.
With responsibility across Marketing & Communications, Mortgage Distribution and Product across Mortgages and Savings, the CCO will have significant scope to influence how the organisation develops, takes products to market and engages with existing and prospective members. The role will be particularly important in the continued evolution from a predominantly direct distribution model towards a balanced, scalable intermediary-led proposition. This will include developing and strengthening relationships with mortgage brokers, directly authorised firms, networks, clubs and strategic distribution partners, increasing awareness and utilisation of the organisation's products and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.
However, this is much broader than a distribution or sales leadership role. The successful candidate will bring together the commercial, customer, product and financial picture, ensuring that growth opportunities are commercially attractive, financially sustainable and aligned with the organisation's purpose. They will use data, insight and market intelligence to challenge existing thinking and optimise:
- Product performance
- Pricing and margin
- Customer/member acquisition
- Retention and loyalty
- Profitability and income
- Cost and operational effectiveness
- Overall financial resilience
They will also provide executive leadership across the mortgage and savings propositions, working closely with Risk, Finance and Operations to ensure that growth ambitions are balanced with prudent risk management and sustainable balance-sheet performance.
A genuinely wide-reaching C-suite role
One of the attractions of this opportunity is the breadth of influence available to the successful candidate. Our client is a relatively small, agile organisation, meaning this is not a role where an executive leader will become one small part of a large corporate machine. The CCO will be close to the decision-making, working alongside the CEO and Executive Team and influencing the direction of the organisation across multiple functions. There will be significant opportunity to challenge, shape and improve — from product and pricing through to distribution, marketing, customer experience and commercial strategy.
The successful candidate will therefore need to be comfortable moving between the big strategic picture and the detail required to make things happen. They will be expected not simply to develop strategy, but to drive execution, establish clear accountability and create a high-performance commercial culture focused on delivery and results.
The person
Our client is looking for a senior commercial leader with a strong track record of delivering growth within financial services. Commercial credibility is critical. This is a role for someone who understands that sustainable growth is about considerably more than increasing volumes. The successful candidate will have a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between:
- Growth
- Product
- Proposition
- Pricing
- Distribution
- Customer Outcomes
- Cost
- Risk
- Profitability
- Balance Sheet
They will be able to assess a growth opportunity commercially, understand its implications for the wider organisation and make informed decisions around where to invest, where to innovate and where to challenge. Experience and expertise across product, proposition, marketing, pricing and strategic planning will be particularly valuable, alongside the ability to understand customer behaviour, market trends and competitive positioning.
The successful candidate will also be an outstanding leader — someone capable of building strong teams, bringing people together around a common objective and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. They will be comfortable challenging established thinking, making difficult decisions and taking considered risks where doing so can deliver better outcomes. At the same time, they will understand the importance of operating within a highly regulated environment and ensuring that commercial ambition is always balanced with customer outcomes, regulatory obligations and prudent risk management.
The role carries SMF18 responsibility, so a strong understanding of financial services regulation and Consumer Duty is essential, including experience of embedding regulatory obligations into organisational culture and processes.
Why this opportunity?
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take on a genuinely influential C-suite position where their decisions can have a much wider impact than simply the bottom line. Our client has a clear purpose and a strong sustainability agenda. The organisation is committed to doing things differently and creating positive change, whilst building a financially resilient and commercially sustainable business. The successful CCO will have the opportunity to help shape what that next chapter looks like.
- To grow the organisation.
- To strengthen the commercial model.
- To develop products that genuinely meet member needs.
- To build new distribution channels.
- To improve customer experiences.
- And ultimately, to use commercial expertise to create greater environmental and social impact.
For a commercially driven financial services leader who wants their next role to offer breadth, influence, challenge and purpose, this is an opportunity that warrants serious consideration.
Chief Commercial Officer (SMF18) - West Yorks - Sustainable Lender employer: Fintellect Recruitment
Join a well-established financial services business in Manchester that prioritises a customer-first culture and offers a dynamic work environment. As a Complaints Team Manager, you will lead a high-performing team while benefiting from a comprehensive package that includes annual bonuses, healthcare support, and flexible wellbeing initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative atmosphere, this role provides an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on customer outcomes and advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Commercial Officer (SMF18) - West Yorks - Sustainable Lender
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Fintellect Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Commercial Officer (SMF18) - West Yorks - Sustainable Lender
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 Fintellect Recruitment.
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 Fintellect Recruitment'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 Fintellect Recruitment
✨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 Fintellect Recruitment.
✨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 Fintellect Recruitment 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 Fintellect Recruitment 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.
