At a Glance
- Tasks: Generate new business opportunities and qualify inbound leads for our lending pipeline.
- Company: Join OakNorth, a fast-growing fintech revolutionising lending in the UK and US.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative lending solutions and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 1-4 years in Sales/Business Development with a grounding in finance.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The role at OakNorth's lending business is scaling across the UK and US, and we need a Business Development Representative to join our growing Commercial Strategy team. Our next good deal should not depend on who happens to find us. As a Business Development Representative, you own the front end of our lending pipeline. That means two things:
- Generating new opportunities: You work hand in hand with Marketing, turning campaign themes, target segments and ideal customer profiles into live outreach: multi-touch sequences across email, phone and LinkedIn, follow-up on the demand our campaigns generate, and the account research that makes it land. The output is qualified meetings with the right people.
- Qualifying inbound leads: You own inbound enquiries end to end: researching them, screening them, and routing them, within SLA, to the right Originator.
What you’ll do:
- Outbound: Run marketing-led outbound campaigns. Take the segments, messaging and campaign themes Marketing develops and put them into market as multi-touch, multi-channel sequences, run at a consistent cadence.
- Research accounts and personalise: Understand a business and its situation well enough to earn a first conversation.
- Feed back on what is working: You are closest to the response (which messages land, which segments go quiet, which objections keep recurring). Campaign design gets better because you tell Marketing what you are seeing.
- Inbound: Work the demand Marketing generates. Content downloads, webinar and event registrations, website enquiries. You pick these up quickly, research them properly, and convert those that meet our criteria.
- Own the inbound queue: Qualify and route every inbound lead within SLA, with the research already done before it reaches an Originator.
- Across both: Qualify with rigour. Screen against our policies and credit appetite. Saying “this is not a good fit, and here is why” is as valuable here as saying yes.
- Nurture over time. Most businesses worth lending to are not ready today. Keep warm, useful relationships with prospects and referrers until they are.
- Keep the data clean. Accurate CRM records and weekly pipeline reporting. What you build gets reused in outreach across the bank.
- Work shoulder to shoulder with Originators. Take their feedback on lead quality seriously, and adjust how you work.
What this role is not:
- It is not a closing role. You will not negotiate or sign facilities. You hand over to an Originator once a prospect is properly qualified.
- It is not a volume-dialling role. Hard-selling outreach damages our standing within the market.
- It is not a role that pays for activity. Booking a meeting is not the finish line.
The Profile:
You are likely to be early in your career with some exposure to lending, credit or financial services. How you work matters more than the exact shape of your CV. You will bring:
- Overall 1-4 years of experience in Sales/Business Development with prior experience working in a banking/fintech industry.
- Enough finance grounding to qualify a lead properly: you can hold a sensible conversation about how a business loan is structured and assessed, or you can learn that quickly and want to.
- Experience working to targets in an outbound role, and the resilience that takes. Outbound means hearing “no” far more often than yes, and we need you as sharp at the end of a campaign as at the start.
- Credibility with senior people. Originators need to take your leads seriously from early on, and prospects and advisers need to find you worth their time.
- Real organisational discipline. You keep records accurate and current without being chased.
- Clear, concise written English. Most of the first impressions you make will be in writing.
Business Development Representative in London employer: OakNorth Bank plc
At OakNorth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through personalised benefits, extensive wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional development, all set against the backdrop of our vibrant London office. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we empower businesses and communities while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Representative in London
✨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 OakNorth Bank plc. 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 Business Development Representative in London
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 OakNorth Bank plc.
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 OakNorth Bank plc'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 OakNorth Bank plc
✨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 OakNorth Bank plc.
✨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 OakNorth Bank plc 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 OakNorth Bank plc 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.
