Associate Director - Strategic Finance in Manchester

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.

You will help develop deep relationships with private equity sponsors, corporate clients and professional advisers, positioning yourself as a trusted partner in the regional deal ecosystem and enhancing the visibility of our Strategic Finance team in the North West. While operating across the North West, there is a particular strategic focus on expanding our presence in the Merseyside market. This will involve supporting the development of a strong local network, increasing in‑market activity, and developing new client relationships in the region.

This is a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment suited to ambitious, commercially minded individuals looking to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our business. You will act as a key liaison between internal teams, clients, investors and advisers, ensuring high‑quality stakeholder management and contributing directly to revenue generation. You will combine origination and relationship management to build a high‑quality portfolio of larger customers, strengthening our presence with mid‑market and corporate clients, sponsors and professional advisers.

Covered region: The North West. You will need to be based locally and will be expected to travel regularly across the region. Regular collaboration events will be anticipated weekly in Manchester or Chester, though the location may vary.

Responsibilities:

• You will support end‑to‑end transaction delivery, working closely with Senior Directors across origination, structuring, execution and ongoing portfolio management, with a particular focus on driving growth in the Merseyside market.
• In parallel, you will contribute to origination and pipeline development by building relationships with clients, private equity sponsors and advisers to support revenue generation.
• The role will see you leading financial analysis and credit evaluation, including modelling, valuation, due diligence and the preparation of high‑quality credit papers.
• You will also support client engagement and deal marketing, attending meetings and preparing pitch materials and board‑level presentations.
• In addition, you will take responsibility for managing transaction execution and governance, overseeing due diligence and legal documentation, and ensuring all pre‑ and post‑completion requirements are delivered effectively.
• You will also build your own market presence and network, representing the business at events and developing relationships across the North West corporate and adviser community.

Benefits:

• Access to private medical insurance
• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
• Access to an annual performance‑related bonus
• Training and development to help you progress your career
• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death
• Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year

About you:

• 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)

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together. They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

• Feel what customers feel – We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind.
• Say it straight – We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand.
• Push for better – We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development.
• Get it done – We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes.

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.