Lending Manager

We are Recognise Bank, a modern business bank built to support the UK’s SMEs with tailored lending and savings solutions. Founded in 2017 by experienced business owners, we set out to challenge traditional banking by offering more flexibility, understanding, and practical support to help businesses thrive. Since receiving our banking licence in 2021, we’ve built a loyal customer base and a strong, diverse team that puts people first. Our vision is building stronger futures with bespoke financial solutions. We understand that no two financial needs are the same, which is why we work closely with UK SMEs and individuals to unlock potential others often overlook. Through smart, flexible lending and savings products, we’re here to build and grow stronger futures for lasting success.

Our values shape how we work and grow together:

• Can do, will do: We take ownership, solve problems, and adapt as our customers’ needs evolve.
• Be brilliant: We show up with curiosity and energy, always striving for better.
• Do the right thing: We act with integrity, responsibility, and care in everything we do.
• Make a difference: We focus on impact, helping our customers, colleagues, and communities succeed.

About the role: As a Lending Manager at Recognise Bank, you will play a key role in driving growth within the commercial real estate lending market. Reporting to our Senior Lending Manager, you will focus on establishing and managing strong, sustainable relationships with panel brokers and direct clients in your region. You will deliver exceptional client service by identifying and completing high-quality lending propositions that meet their funding needs, secured by commercial property. Operating within credit risk appetite and lending policies, you’ll help secure new broker and client relationships while supporting existing clients to achieve their financial goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver lending volumes and product mix to meet personal targets and support the Bank’s financial plan, including cross‑selling products (lending, savings, etc.).
• Build awareness of the Recognise brand through targeted networking with brokers and professional communities, attending events, and managing allocated broker relationships.
• Review and analyze new business enquiries, producing credit papers and collaborating with the “Deal Team” to ensure timely sanctioning and completion of transactions.
• Ensure lending proposals meet credit risk appetite, lending policies, and minimum return requirements.
• Maintain high data quality standards to support business and regulatory reporting needs.
• Provide outstanding service to clients, evidenced by positive feedback and survey results.
• Communicate transparently with internal stakeholders (e.g., Loan Management, Credit Underwriting) and external parties where necessary.
• Lead or support commercial lending‑related projects within the Business Development Team and across the business.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., Consumer Duty, SMCR) and complete all mandatory training on time.
• Comply with corporate policies, risk management, compliance, and financial crime obligations relevant to your role.

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years of lending experience, with expertise in commercial property sectors and lending markets.
• Strong market knowledge across a broad range of commercial property secured lending sectors.
• Proven track record in business development, relationship management, and identifying new opportunities through networking.
• Advanced skills in business case writing and credit analysis.
• Exceptional service delivery with a focus on client satisfaction.
• Ability to assess diverse lending proposals (e.g., bridging finance, medium‑term lending) and present clear risk analyses and recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including networking, negotiation, presentation, and influencing at all levels.
• Self‑motivated, highly organized, and able to manage workload independently.
• Collaborative, performance‑driven, and committed to continuous improvement.

Why Join?

At Recognise Bank, we’re building more than a bank — we’re creating a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference, supported to be brilliant with a can do will do attitude, and trusted to do the right thing. We believe that when our people thrive, so do our customers. That’s why we invest in an environment that reflects our values and supports your growth, flexibility, and wellbeing.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Competitive Time Off: Generous annual leave plus bank holidays to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Work From Anywhere: Up to 4 weeks per year to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
• Learning & Development: Tailored training and support to grow your skills and achieve your professional goals.
• Hybrid Working: To support your work‑life balance, we offer a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
• Private Medical Care with Vitality: Comprehensive healthcare including optical and dental coverage to keep you healthy.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme: Helping you plan and save for a secure future.
• Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Pay: Supporting you and your family during important life moments.
• Discretionary Company Bonus: Rewarding your contribution to our shared success.

If you’re curious, driven, and ready to be part of something meaningful — where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact — then we’d love to hear from you. Recognise Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.