At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Senior Lending Team in managing SME lending and client relationships.
- Company: Dynamic recruitment agency connecting talent with top financial services firms.
- Benefits: Remote work, clear career progression, and collaboration with experienced professionals.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop into a senior lending role within a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Join a high-impact role and work with ambitious, high-growth SMEs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SME lending or commercial banking and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
REMOTE, Field Based - Scotland
Northreach is a dynamic recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent across Financial Services and Investment sectors. We specialise in delivering a seamless recruitment experience for both clients and candidates, supporting growth, innovation, and long-term career development.
A well-established and growing UK investment fund is seeking an experienced Lending Associate / Relationship Manager to support its expanding SME lending portfolio focused on high-growth businesses across Scotland and the wider UK. We’re looking for someone with strong commercial lending or SME finance experience who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven investment environment and enjoys working closely with Senior Lending Team members to support deal execution and portfolio management.
The Role
- You will support Senior Lending Team members across the full lending lifecycle, from post-approval execution through to ongoing portfolio monitoring and client engagement.
- Supporting Senior Lending Team members with post-approval processes including facility documentation, security arrangements, and completion of Conditions Precedent.
- Liaising with internal Risk teams and external legal/security partners to ensure smooth transaction execution.
- Assisting with mid-term amendments, repayment requests, and drafting supporting credit papers where required.
- Monitoring portfolio performance, reviewing monthly financial information, and identifying early warning indicators or potential covenant risks.
- Supporting proactive portfolio management and client relationship engagement alongside Senior Lending Team members.
- Contributing to fund reporting, internal updates, and investor-facing materials where required.
- Supporting analysis of SME financial accounts and management information to inform credit recommendations.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in SME lending, commercial banking, relationship management, or debt advisory roles.
- Strong understanding of cashflow-based lending and SME credit fundamentals.
- Experience supporting or preparing credit papers or lending proposals (advantageous).
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial statements and management accounts.
- Comfortable managing multiple workstreams and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office 365.
Highly Desirable
- Experience in market-gap or growth lending (non-bank lending preferred).
- Exposure to portfolio monitoring and covenant management.
- Existing professional network within Scottish SME or investment markets.
- Experience working closely with senior deal teams or credit committees.
Why This Opportunity?
- This is a high-impact role offering:
- Clear progression within the organisation.
- Close collaboration with experienced senior deal professionals and risk teams.
- Strong visibility across deal execution and portfolio strategy.
- Opportunity to work with ambitious, high-growth SMEs.
- A chance to develop into a senior lending role within a growing organisation.
Remote SME Lending Associate | Scotland employer: Northreach
Northreach is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the financial services sector. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with experienced professionals while supporting high-growth SMEs across Scotland. The company's commitment to a purpose-driven culture ensures that your contributions are valued, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote SME Lending Associate | Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector, especially those involved in SME lending. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cashflow-based lending and SME credit fundamentals. We want you to shine when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've interpreted financial statements in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to portfolio management effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote SME Lending Associate | Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lending Associate role. Highlight your experience in SME lending and relationship management, and don’t forget to showcase those strong numerical and analytical skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting high-growth businesses and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:We value strong communication skills, so make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Whether it’s through clear language in your CV or engaging storytelling in your cover letter, let us see your ability to connect with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northreach
✨Know Your SME Lending Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SME lending and commercial banking. Understand the key concepts, especially cashflow-based lending and credit fundamentals, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss recent trends or challenges in the Scottish SME market can really impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your numerical and analytical skills during the interview. You might be asked to interpret financial statements or management accounts, so practice explaining your thought process clearly. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to support your answers.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of specific scenarios where you've supported deal execution or portfolio management. Be ready to discuss how you handled post-approval processes or client engagement. This will show that you not only understand the theory but also have practical experience in a fast-paced environment.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Strong communication skills are key for this role, so focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
