Associate Director - Strategic Finance in Chester

We are expanding our Strategic Finance team in the North West as part of an ambitious growth plan to significantly increase our presence in the mid‑market and sponsor‑backed segment. This is a unique opportunity to join a high‑performing team with strong momentum and a clear mandate to grow.

As an Associate Director, you will support the origination, structuring and execution of complex senior debt transactions across the North West. You will be responsible for deal leadership, from initial origination through to execution, and support the build of a high‑quality portfolio of mid‑market, corporate and sponsor‑backed clients. You will work closely with Senior Directors across the end‑to‑end origination, evaluation and execution of senior cash flow and asset‑based lending transactions and help develop deep relationships with private equity sponsors, corporate clients and professional advisers.

There is a particular strategic focus on expanding our presence in the Merseyside market, improving local network, increasing in‑market activity, and developing new client relationships. The role involves acting as a key liaison between internal teams, clients, investors and advisers, ensuring high‑quality stakeholder management and contributing directly to revenue generation. The position requires a hybrid working model as you will need to be based locally and regularly travel across the North West. Weekly meetings will be held in Manchester or Chester; the exact location may vary.

Responsibilities

• Support end‑to‑end transaction delivery: working with Senior Directors on origination, structuring, execution and portfolio management and driving growth in the Merseyside market.
• Contribute to origination and pipeline development by building relationships with clients, private equity sponsors and advisers to support revenue generation.
• Lead financial analysis and credit evaluation, including modelling, valuation, due diligence and preparation of high‑quality credit papers.
• Support client engagement and deal marketing, attend meetings and prepare pitch materials and board‑level presentations.
• Take responsibility for managing transaction execution and governance, overseeing due diligence, legal documentation and ensuring all pre‑ and post‑completion requirements are delivered effectively.
• Build your own market presence and network, representing the business at events and developing relationships across the North West corporate and community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience supporting mid‑market or corporate clients, with a clear understanding of complex business environments and a commitment to delivering excellent customer outcomes.
• Proven financial and analytical capability, including robust modelling, valuation and hands‑on deal experience.
• Solid accounting and corporate finance knowledge, with the ability to apply commercial judgement to structuring and credit decisions.
• Good market awareness, with the ability to interpret sector trends and translate insights into informed decision‑making.
• Highly organised and delivery‑focused, able to manage multiple workstreams and operate effectively under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with internal stakeholders, clients and advisers.
• A professional qualification (e.g. Chartered Banker, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).

Benefits

• 25 days holiday, pro‑rata.
• Private medical insurance.
• A highly competitive pension scheme.
• Annual performance‑related bonus.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Salary sacrifice scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Well‑hub access to a range of free and paid health and wellness options.
• Paid volunteering allowance.

Hybrid Work

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. We value our time in the office to solve problems, learn and connect, while also providing generous access to home working.