At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong client relationships and drive growth for SME clients in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Join Lloyds Banking Group, a leader in transforming finance for good.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, 30 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping businesses thrive while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial banking and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85493 - 100580 £ per year.
End Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026
Salary Range: £85,493 - £100,580
We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options.
Flexible Working Options: Hybrid Working, Job Share
HOURS: Full Time
SALARY: Competitive package available
LOCATION: Cardiff
WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least one day per week or 20% at our Cardiff office and a further 20% of the time meeting clients.
What you’ll be doing:
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Relationship Director to join our high-performing SME Commercial Banking team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building strong client relationships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering meaningful impact. In this role, you'll manage a defined portfolio of SME clients, typically businesses with a turnover of £10m–£50m, ensuring an outstanding client experience while driving sustainable income growth, balance sheet expansion and market share.
Acting as the face of Lloyds Banking Group, you’ll build trusted, long-term relationships with both existing and prospective clients, positioning yourself as a key advisor who understands their ambitions and supports their growth. You'll take ownership of your portfolio, developing clear client strategies and delivering tailored solutions across a broad range of commercial banking products, including lending, deposits, payments and day-to-day banking services.
A core focus of the role will be generating new business and expanding your client base. You'll proactively identify and win new-to-bank opportunities through effective market engagement, networking and relationship building, strengthening the Group’s presence within your region. You'll also work closely with internal product specialists and coverage teams to deliver the full capability of the bank, ensuring clients benefit from a joined-up, end-to-end service.
Success in this role will rely on your ability to build and maintain strong internal and external networks. You'll collaborate with colleagues across the bank, as well as Group partners and professional introducers, to open doors and create opportunities for your clients. By connecting clients with the right expertise and solutions, you'll help them unlock their potential and achieve their business objectives.
Alongside driving growth, you'll be fully accountable for managing risk within your portfolio. This includes undertaking lending assessments, structuring appropriate financial solutions and ensuring that all exposures align with the bank’s risk appetite and credit policies.
Why Lloyds Banking Group?
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. Including you.
What we’re looking for:
- To be seen as the “go to” banker in their geographic area of responsibility.
- Maintaining a high profile with external influencers and the local business community to achieve the Bank’s stated aim of being the best bank for clients.
- A track record of winning new business in a competitive environment within corporate or commercial banking, alongside a broad established network within the local Cardiff Commercial market.
- Skilled team player as well as a proven self-starter with a drive and passion to succeed individually and as part of the wider team.
- Strong communication skills with experience in building, creating and maintaining relationships with clients and influential external partners.
- Proven credit experience - skilled at evaluating propositions and using that experience to make confident and effective commercial recommendations to the Credit team.
- Detailed understanding of legal documentation, together with the ability to effectively negotiate legal and commercial terms.
- Understanding and appreciation of the different types of risk in a lending environment and how to minimise such Risk.
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. 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 to make an impact? Apply today.
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 Relationship Director in Cardiff employer: Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Banking Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity, particularly in the vibrant city of Cardiff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, a generous benefits package including a pension contribution of up to 15%, and a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector while enjoying a fulfilling career with a focus on diversity and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SME Relationship Director in Cardiff
✨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 Relationship Director in Cardiff
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.