At a Glance
- Tasks: Originate and execute high-quality lending transactions in real estate and trading businesses.
- Company: Join OakNorth, a fast-paced team dedicated to empowering ambitious businesses.
- Benefits: Equity stake, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and personalised benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy wellbeing events, volunteering time off, and a vibrant office culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation in banking for SMEs and real estate.
- Qualifications: Strong credit analysis skills and experience in SME lending and financial modelling.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About The Team
Our Debt Finance team sits at the heart of OakNorth's front‑office lending activity. We work directly with entrepreneurs, sponsors and intermediaries to originate and execute high‑quality transactions across trading businesses (cashflow lending), real estate and operational real estate. The team is fast‑paced, collaborative and deeply commercial — driven by a shared belief that ambitious businesses deserve better banking.
About The Role
This is a high‑impact front‑office Director role focused on originating, structuring and executing lending transactions across trading businesses and real estate. You will take full ownership of transactions from first conversation through to credit approval and completion, working directly with entrepreneurs, sponsors and intermediaries to drive OakNorth's mission of empowering the UK's most ambitious businesses.
What You'll Do
- Originate, structure and execute transactions that meet OakNorth's lending requirements across trading businesses, real estate and operational real estate.
- Manage and further develop existing customer relationships, while identifying new opportunities and building OakNorth's profile with SMEs, KBIs, advisors and private equity firms.
- Spread financial accounts, build financial models and prepare high‑quality credit memorandums — including forecasted cash flows and sensitivities to assess debt capacity and repayment.
- Structure transactions appropriately and present full credit reports to the sanctioning authority, ensuring documentation is in accordance with credit‑approved terms.
- Drive innovation in the product proposition to improve customer experience while maintaining asset quality, and meet team and individual targets set by OakNorth ExCo, CEO and the Board.
You're a great fit if
- In-depth understanding of SME lending, real estate and trading businesses, with strong credit, financial analysis and modelling skills — including the ability to write structured, high‑quality credit papers.
- Experience in analysing senior, stretched senior and mezzanine cashflow unsecured transactions, and presenting credit cases to a credit committee.
- Excellent communication and customer‑facing skills, with a good understanding of business strategy, banking products and a strong grasp of IFRS 9; degree in Finance, Commerce or equivalent.
Nice to have
- Legal documentation skills and experience managing transactions through to completion.
- Established network with SMEs, private equity firms, intermediaries or real estate sponsors in the UK market.
What we offer
- Equity — we want everyone to have a stake in the business so our interests are aligned.
- 25 days holiday plus personalised benefits — opt in to what matters to you.
- Subsidised private medical insurance with Bupa.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Wellbeing and social events, plus in‑house Barista Bar in the London office.
- Volunteering time off to support causes that matter to you.
- Salary sacrifice schemes — cycle to work, nursery, gym and electric car scheme.
Direct | Debt Finance - Real Estate & Trading Businesses employer: OakNorth
At OakNorth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that empowers our employees to drive meaningful change in the banking sector. Our Debt Finance team is at the forefront of innovative lending solutions, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while fostering strong relationships with ambitious businesses. With competitive benefits, including equity stakes, personalised holiday options, and a focus on wellbeing, OakNorth is committed to creating a rewarding workplace where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct | Debt Finance - Real Estate & Trading Businesses
✨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. 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 Direct | Debt Finance - Real Estate & Trading Businesses
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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
