At a Glance
- Tasks: Attract and convert customer proposals into new business while supporting the sales team.
- Company: Join a dynamic financial services company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, hybrid working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the asset finance industry and develop your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 44550 - 54450 £ per year.
Purpose of the role
Working with the SME external sales team, to proactively attract, negotiate and convert customer proposals into new business to Paragon. To support the wider SME external sales team, develop and manage specific allocated introducers / prospects / customers. Deliver an accurate, consistent, efficient & knowledgeable service to our SME External Sales channel customers / External sales team. To support and drive change delivery initiatives to achieve improved business performance which maximises business opportunities.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support SME External sales
- Build and maintain new and existing relationships with introductory sources for example Financial brokers, Accountants, Vendors, Client referral, other lenders or direct
- Support SME External sales to achieve an increase in the performance of the allocated portfolio of Introducer accounts in partnership with the assigned External Sale team
- Complete risk templates for sanction of the facility, chase outstanding enquiries and paperwork on deals, maintain CRM system, attend sales team meetings
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the asset-based finance industry including Paragon products and services, competitors, introducers, risks, client industry, market and sectors
- Providing and establishing calculated contact strategies to ensure effective communications are delivered in line with customer feedback
- Proactively support and contribute to the wider performance of the Internal Sales Team
- Ensure all interactions and behaviours are in line with the group competency framework
- Ensure work and quality achieve the Quality Assurance standards underpinned by ‘Right First Time’ delivery
About You
Essential criteria
- Understanding of Asset Finance products
- Experience in a Financial Services or Internal Sales environment
- Good communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Good time management skills
Desirable criteria
- Good teamworking and interpersonal skills
- Basic fluency with credit analysis
- Basic numerical skills and fluency with financial analysis
- Basic business analytical skills
- Will have already attained or be willing to attain Paragon Credit Accreditation Level 1
Interpersonal skills will be every bit as important as formal qualifications and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and articulate the benefits of both.
Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply. At Paragon, we value diversity and we’re excited to hear from passionate individuals like you! If you’re ready to contribute to the team, please apply.
Further information on the role can be found in the Purpose and Performance Profile (PPP), which is downloadable on this page. Please note, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not offer visa sponsorship.
Working hours
37.5 hours a week, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office.
Training
Relevant training will be provided.
Inclusion
As a Disability Confident Employer, we want to ensure that our vacancies are accessible for everyone. If you have a disability, long term health condition or are neurodiverse and need us to adjust our recruitment process please get in touch with our recruitment team.
About Us
What can we offer you?
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Starting from 25 days and climbing to 30, you also get to enjoy a day off for your birthday, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. You can also buy or sell up to a week’s leave
- Share Save Scheme: Annually, you have the opportunity to buy shares in Paragon at a discounted rate
- Profit Related Pay: We share some of our annual profit with our eligible employees
- Pension Plan: We contribute up to 10% of your annual salary towards your pension
- Family Friendly policies: We offer enhanced parental pay and paid time off for fertility treatment
- Employee Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, shopping, motoring and more
- Volunteering Day: Contribute to causes you care about with one volunteering day per year
- Life Assurance and Personal Accident Cover
Be flexible
We promote flexibility around how and where we work so that you can achieve a healthier work-life balance. We operate hybrid working, splitting our week between the office and home.
Be yourself
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome diversity and care about inclusion. That’s why we want you to be your whole self at work. We believe an inclusive workplace is good for each of us, great for our customers and better for our business. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network meets regularly to share challenges, experience, and ideas to build a more equal, diverse, and inclusive business.
Be heard
We listen to your point of view, with our People Forum and regular employee surveys making sure you can use your voice and influence our future.
Be well
We will give you access to a range of tools and resources to support your wellbeing. This will include a digital GP service via our free Employee Assistance Programme, access to our Wellbeing team to connect you with the help you need to get more out of life and our Vitality at Work programme to provide you with discounted gym membership, fitness equipment and another multitude of wellbeing services.
Be better
We want you to reach your potential and, as a Platinum Investors in People employer, we’ll encourage you to learn and develop by building a personalised development plan together with your manager.
Business Development Associate in Southampton employer: Paragon Bank Group
At Paragon, we pride ourselves on being a Platinum Investors in People employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Property Management Officer, you'll benefit from generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to a team dedicated to helping customers achieve their ambitions. Join us in a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and your potential is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate in Southampton
✨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 Paragon Bank Group. 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 Associate in Southampton
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 Paragon Bank Group.
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 Paragon Bank Group'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 Paragon Bank Group
✨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 Paragon Bank Group.
✨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 Paragon Bank Group 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 Paragon Bank Group 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.
