Operating Partner - Lending in London

Operating Partner - Lending in London

London Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive lending strategy and operations across UK and US markets.
  • Company: Join OakNorth, a tech-led bank empowering businesses and communities.
  • Benefits: Equity options, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible perks.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making a difference.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in scaling impactful lending initiatives with senior leadership.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations, strategy, or financial services with strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

At OakNorth, we’re on a mission to empower ambitious businesses and the communities they serve. Since 2015, we’ve lent over $21 billion across the UK and US, helped create more than 58,000 new homes and 36,000 new jobs, and supported hundreds of thousands of personal savers — all while driving economic growth in the markets we serve.

We’re an entrepreneurial, technology-led bank, combining deep lending expertise with data, technology and AI to make better decisions and deliver a different experience for our customers.

Working directly with OakNorth's Chief Lending Officer and the broader lending team, you will be the driver for how we scale our UK and US lending businesses. You’ll operate across every lending function and work directly with senior leadership - the connective tissue between the lending team and the rest of the business - with a seat at the table on strategy and board-level planning. You will identify the biggest opportunities and constraints, turn strategy into clear plans and both lead and support delivery across key initiatives. This is a broad, hands-on mandate for someone who owns problems, builds solutions and gets things done.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Drive the lending roadmap: Translate our lending priorities and strategy into an executable roadmap across the UK and US in support of our scaling mandate.
  • Partner with lending leadership to set and align OKRs, dovetailing into the Monthly Business Reviews, Quarterly Business Reviews, and strategic planning operating rhythm.
  • Own the roadmap for our highest priority strategy and operational initiatives - including growth bets into new sectors and geographies.
  • Build the commercial engine: Own and strengthen the commercial engine and our sales operation processes across the funnel, with the overall goal of widening top of funnel and improving conversion rates.
  • Own the commercial operating model, including the agenda on recruitment, org design, capability, and our capacity model.
  • Improve the end-to-end lending journey and build scalable, efficient processes, with an emphasis on where we need human touchpoints versus technology, automation and AI.
  • Manage a small team across marketing, revenue operations and sales enablement.

THE PROFILE

We are open on background. You may have worked as an Operating Partner, Chief of Staff, Strategy & Operations leader, business builder or general manager. How you think and operate matters most.

You will bring:

  • A track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from idea to outcome.
  • A strong systems thinker with sound commercial judgement and analytical ability.
  • Enough commercial and credit fluency to earn credibility with senior dealmakers and engage seriously with how deals are originated, structured and underwritten.
  • The ability to move comfortably between strategy and operational detail.
  • An entrepreneurial approach and confidence building without a playbook.
  • High energy, low ego and a bias for action.
  • Comfort with ambiguity, pace and accountability.
  • Strong preference for experience in financial services - banking, private equity, a credit fund or similar.

BENEFITS & PERKS

  • 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.

Operating Partner - Lending in London employer: OakNorth

OakNorth Bank is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets finance. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is dedicated to delivering impactful financial solutions.

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Contact Details:

OakNorth Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operating Partner - Lending 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. 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 Operating Partner - Lending in London

Lending Expertise
Strategic Planning
Cross-Functional Leadership
Commercial Judgement
Analytical Ability
Operational Detail Management
Project Management

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.