At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team to support SME clients in the Midlands & East.
- Company: Join Lloyds Banking Group, a leader in financial services with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, 30 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey focused on growth, inclusion, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while shaping the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in banking, strong client relationship skills, and a passion for mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options.
We're passionate about looking after our customers. Are you?
We have a rare opportunity to lead the hard-working and successful Midlands & East, SME Trading Sectors Team!
About this Opportunity:
You'll be expected to build powerful networks to support the team to bring the whole bank to customers and will mentor, develop and support your team to be the most capable and effective they can be for our clients. You'll have a key external focus too, being a positive high-profile ambassador for the Group in the local market.
Our Relationship Management division has a rich heritage of supporting businesses and the economic prosperity of the nation, passionate about businesses and those with strong links across the city. We provide customers with the support they need to help them grow, handle risk, and improve efficiency, and we continue to invest in our relationship teams and deepen our product expertise to deliver a first-class service.
What you’ll be doing:
- Contribute, as a board member of Midlands & East of England SME Leadership Team, to the strategic leadership and planning of the Sector in partnership with other senior colleagues under the overall direction of the Regional Director.
- Through inspiring leadership and promotion of Equal Opportunities, motivate, develop, mentor and appraise team members, so that individual and collective performance delivers stretching business goals.
- Develop the capability of the Relationship team and utilise specialist knowledge to support them in all aspects of their work, specifically developing their own local business plans and run their client portfolio to ensure full adherence with all policy and compliance requirements.
- Provide oversight to developing, structuring, and assessing client proposals to meet customer requirements and find opportunities to further develop income, guiding, recommending, and supporting implementation of the appropriate solutions.
- Regularly evaluate the team’s performance against business objectives, including the supervision of regulated products (where the role requires), recognising individual/team achievement and taking corrective action where appropriate.
- Provide the appropriate support to the relationship management of clients and key business introducers in and across client segments, ensuring effective response to their business needs through all the available offers. Regularly interacting with complex clients at MDs, FDs and Boards of Director level.
- Promote the bank’s image as a key figurehead in the local community and the Midlands & East of England marketplace with a range of partners including influential, high value clients and city professionals to support development of new business opportunities.
Why join us?
We’re on an exciting journey to transform our Group and the way we’re shaping finance for good. We’re focusing on the future, investing in our technologies, workplaces, and colleagues to make our Group a great place for everyone.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven SME or commercial banking leader, with accountability for a significant client portfolio and team performance.
- Strong track record of managing and growing a mature client book, with responsibility for income generation and balance sheet performance.
- Experience leading Relationship Director and Relationship Manager teams, driving consistent performance outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience managing senior client relationships, influencing effectively at senior leader level.
- Expertise in credit, risk and trading, including oversight of complex client structures and proposals.
- Strong understanding of operating within a regulated environment, with a focus on governance and risk management.
We know that great talent comes from many backgrounds. Whilst this job advert may reference specific experience, we recognise that skills are developed in many ways, so if you have relevant, transferable experience, we encourage you to apply.
This is a place for you:
Our ambition is to be the leading UK business for diversity, equity and inclusion supporting our customers, colleagues and communities, and we’re committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive, learn and develop.
We were one of the first major organisations to set goals on diversity in senior roles, create a menopause health package, and a dedicated Working with Cancer Initiative.
We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. And, as a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long-term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme.
We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to reduce or remove barriers. Just let us know what you need.
We also offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
- A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
- An annual performance-related bonus
- Share schemes including free shares
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- 30 days’ holiday, with bank holidays on top
- A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
Ready for a career where you’ll learn and thrive? Apply today and find out more.
At Lloyds Banking Group, we're driven by a clear purpose; to help Britain prosper. Across the Group, our colleagues are focused on making a difference to customers, businesses and communities. With us you'll have a key role to play in shaping the financial services of the future, whilst the scale and reach of our Group means you'll have many opportunities to learn, grow and develop.
We keep your data safe. So, we'll only ever ask you to provide confidential or sensitive information once you have formally been invited along to an interview or accepted a verbal offer to join us which is when we run our background checks. We'll always explain what we need and why, with any request coming from a trusted Lloyds Banking Group person. We're focused on creating a values-led culture and are committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve. Together we’re building a truly inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference.
SME Area Director (Midlands & East) in Birmingham employer: Lloyds Bank
At Lloyds Banking Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Fort William. With a strong focus on employee growth through our Skill Progression Framework, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with flexible working options. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions and wellbeing initiatives, reflects our commitment to the well-being of our colleagues, making us a great place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SME Area Director (Midlands & East) in Birmingham
✨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 Lloyds Bank. 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 SME Area Director (Midlands & East) in Birmingham
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 Lloyds Bank.
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 Lloyds Bank'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 Lloyds Bank
✨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 Lloyds Bank.
✨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 Lloyds Bank 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 Lloyds Bank 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.
