At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with SME clients and develop tailored banking solutions.
- Company: Join Lloyds Bank, a leader in commercial banking with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, performance bonuses, 30 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in finance with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting businesses and driving growth in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in Commercial Banking and strong relationship management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Yorkshire
HOURS: Full-time, 35 hours per week
WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at one of our office sites. Colleagues with disabilities can be supported with workplace adjustments including hybrid working expectations in line with our Flexibility Works policy.
What you'll be doing
You’ll take end‑to‑end ownership of a high‑profile SME client portfolio in the West & East Yorkshire area, managing relationships with actively trading businesses typically turning over between £3m and £10m. This is a strategically important portfolio with strong growth potential, where you’ll be accountable for portfolio management, income, lending, risk and relationship outcomes, focusing on keeping existing business, deepening client relationships and building long‑term client confidence.
Acting as the face of Lloyds Bank, you’ll develop strong relationship management capability by building trusted partnerships with existing and new SME clients across sectors such as professional services, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, construction and hospitality. You’ll take time to understand each client’s business model, ambitions and challenges, proactively identifying opportunities to deliver Commercial Banking solutions including lending, working capital and cashflow facilities, payments, deposits and cards, ensuring every interaction adds clear customer value.
A key expectation, alongside managing your portfolio, is that you’ll play an active role in originating and winning new‑to‑bank business through relationship‑led business development, prospecting and strategic outreach. You’ll build a strong internal and external network, working closely with Group Partners and specialist teams to bring the full breadth of the Bank to your clients and deliver tailored, joined‑up solutions.
You’ll also manage the credit and risk profile of your portfolio, undertaking credit assessments, preparing credit proposals and making risk‑aware recommendations in line with policy and appetite. As a trusted advisor, you’ll support clients with wider risk considerations, including ESG priorities and their journey towards Net Zero, balancing strong commercial judgement with disciplined risk management in a region where high‑quality client relationships truly matter.
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
The ideal candidate should have experience in Commercial or Corporate Banking, managing SME or trading‑business clients. Ideally with a proven track record of originating and/or winning new business or playing a material role in deal execution within a competitive Commercial Banking environment.
Strong portfolio and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trusted client relationships and influence customers and external partners. Solid credit and risk capability, including experience assessing credit proposals, preparing credit papers and making sound, policy‑aligned recommendations. Confident communication and negotiation skills, with a working understanding of commercial terms and lending documentation.
We know that great talent comes from many backgrounds. Whilst this job advert may reference specific years of 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. 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
Relationship Manager - Commercial Banking - SME Yorkshire in Leeds employer: Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Bank is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a pension contribution of up to 15%, 30 days' holiday, and flexible working arrangements. Our hybrid work model allows for a balanced approach to work-life integration, making Lloyds Bank a fantastic place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in Commercial Banking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager - Commercial Banking - SME Yorkshire in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn to find potential contacts. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not hiring. Show them what you can bring to the table and how you can help their business grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their challenges and think about how you can provide solutions. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in helping their business succeed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your commitment to building strong relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager - Commercial Banking - SME Yorkshire in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Relationship Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing SME clients and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Relationship Skills:Since this role is all about building strong relationships, share examples of how you've successfully managed client portfolios in the past. We love to see how you've deepened client relationships and created trust with your customers.
Demonstrate Your Risk Management Knowledge:Don’t forget to mention your experience with credit assessments and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can make sound recommendations, so give us a glimpse into your thought process and decision-making skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloyds Banking Group
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of SME clients you'll be managing. Research common challenges and opportunities in sectors like manufacturing and hospitality. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to take ownership of a high-profile client portfolio.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where you deepened client trust or identified new business opportunities. This will highlight your ability to manage relationships effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Brush Up on Credit and Risk Assessment
Since you'll be responsible for credit assessments and risk management, review your understanding of credit proposals and lending documentation. Be ready to discuss how you've made sound, policy-aligned recommendations in previous roles. This will show that you have the solid credit capability they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement. Think about how you would handle various client scenarios, especially those involving ESG priorities or Net Zero journeys. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
