At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex senior debt transactions and build strategic client relationships in the North West.
- Company: Join a high-performing team at Nationwide, focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension, performance bonuses, and wellness options.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working with opportunities for collaboration and mentoring within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-visibility role while shaping regional strategy.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in mid-market banking and strong financial analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 a Senior Director, you will lead the origination, structuring and execution of complex senior debt transactions across the North West. You will take primary responsibility for deal leadership, from initial origination through to execution, and build a high‑quality portfolio of mid‑market, corporate and sponsor‑backed clients. You will 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 Strategic Finance in the North West.
You will originate and convert high‑quality lending opportunities, driving income growth, attractive risk‑adjusted returns, and portfolio quality in line with our strategic objectives. We are looking for high‑performing, entrepreneurial individuals who want to shape a growing franchise. This is a genuinely high‑impact role, offering significant visibility across the business and the opportunity to influence our regional strategy.
At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. Hybrid working supports collaboration across our UK wide estate, while providing generous access to working from home. We value time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected. For this job you will be covering the North West region, so you will need to be based locally, as you will be expected to regularly travel to meet customers across this region. Additionally, you will need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration events in one of our office sites, anticipated to be weekly in Manchester or Chester, however the location may vary.
You will play a key role in delivering the North West mid‑market and corporate strategy by originating high‑value, new‑to‑bank opportunities, with a particular focus on expanding our presence in the Merseyside market. Alongside this, you will develop and execute targeted sector and intermediary coverage strategies across priority segments, including Manufacturing & Industrials, ensuring a clear and differentiated market approach.
You will build and lead a portfolio of strategic client and introducer relationships, acting as a trusted senior partner to drive long‑term value. The role will also see you leading the structuring and execution of complex lending transactions, maintaining strong credit quality and ensuring alignment with risk appetite. Externally, you will represent the bank in the market, enhancing brand visibility and generating deal flow through networks, events and strategic partnerships. Internally, you will provide leadership within the Strategic Finance team, mentoring colleagues and contributing to a high‑performance, collaborative culture.
Qualifications
- Significant experience as a senior business developer and relationship leader within mid‑market or corporate banking, with strong North West market knowledge.
- Proven track record of originating, structuring and executing complex lending transactions.
- Exceptional technical capability in financial analysis and modelling.
- Deep expertise in deal execution, credit structuring and stakeholder management.
- Excellent commercial judgement with a focus on income generation and capital efficiency.
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
Job Identification 3384 Apply Before 06/24/2026, 10:55 PM
Senior Director - Strategic Finance in Manchester employer: Nationwide
At Nationwide, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Senior Director - Strategic Finance role in the North West. Our hybrid working model fosters collaboration while allowing flexibility, and our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities. With a strong focus on building relationships and driving strategic initiatives, you will be part of a high-performing team that values innovation and offers a competitive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a robust pension plan.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director - Strategic Finance in Manchester
✨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 Nationwide. 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 Senior Director - Strategic Finance in Manchester
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 Nationwide.
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 Nationwide'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 Nationwide
✨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 Nationwide.
✨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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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.
