At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop branch networks to achieve sales and customer service excellence.
- Company: Progressive Building Society, committed to equal opportunities and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on performance and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial services while leading dynamic teams across regions.
- Qualifications: 3+ years management experience in regulated sales or customer service environments.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for three new Area Manager positions. Opportunities are available across the Northern, Southern and Greater Belfast regions.
The successful candidates will oversee the following branch networks:
- Northern Region: Ballymena, Coleraine and Derry-Londonderry
- Southern Region: Lisburn, Portadown, Enniskillen and Omagh
- Greater Belfast Region: Abbeycentre, Belfast, Newtownards and Bangor
To apply for this role, please submit your CV as an expression of interest. Your CV should set out how you meet the requirements of the role and should be no more than 3 pages long.
Please note that, as part of your application, you will be asked to rank the three regional locations in order of preference. Please indicate your preferred region as 1, your second choice as 2, and your third choice as 3. Regions will be allocated in order of merit following the selection process. While every effort will be made to accommodate individual preferences, it may not be possible to allocate all successful applicants to their first-choice region.
About this role
The Area Managers are accountable for leading and developing a group of branches to deliver sustainable, strong sales performance, exceptional customer outcomes and effective community engagement. They are responsible for achieving mortgage, savings and business development objectives across their region through strategic thinking, effective leadership, coaching, performance management and local market engagement.
The Area Managers will drive a high-performance culture, deliver sales campaigns, retain customers, while ensuring branch teams identify and maximise opportunities, maintaining the highest standards of customer service, regulatory compliance, responsible selling practices and operational control.
What you will need
Required criteria
- A minimum of three years’ management experience in a regulated sales or customer-service environment, ideally within financial services.
- Proven experience of delivering sustainable sales growth, strong customer outcomes and service standards against agreed targets and measures.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, coaching and performance-managing managers or sales teams, including addressing underperformance and developing capability.
- Experience of leading across multiple teams or locations, or managing a complex business unit with responsibilities transferable to a multi-site leadership role.
- Strong experience of operating within a regulated framework, including oversight of conduct risk, operational controls, responsible selling, vulnerable customers and Consumer Duty.
- Experience of business and resource planning, leading change and translating strategic objectives into measurable action plans and improved business outcomes.
Desired criteria
- CeMAP or another relevant financial-services qualification.
- Experience within a branch-based bank, building society or comparable customer-facing financial-services organisation.
- Knowledge of mortgage and savings products, policies, processes, regulation and customer journeys.
- Previous multi-site or area management experience, including developing managers and supporting succession planning.
- Experience of local business development, community engagement, strategic projects or third-party relationships.
Area Manager employer: Progressive Building Society
Progressive Building Society is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee well-being and professional growth. With a hybrid working model based in Belfast, employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a pension scheme and annual bonuses, as well as generous holiday allowances, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in mortgage underwriting.
Contact Details:
Progressive Building Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager
✨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 Progressive Building Society. 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 Area Manager
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 Progressive Building Society.
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 Progressive Building Society'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 Progressive Building Society
✨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 Progressive Building Society.
✨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 Progressive Building Society 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 Progressive Building Society 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.
