Team Lead - New Business Operations

Hello,

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 the Team Lead – New Business Operations, you are responsible for managing the completions team, ensuring that credit-approved deals progress efficiently through to drawdown. This role drives performance, execution, and service delivery, consistently meeting SLAs while maintaining high-quality customer outcomes. You act as a key liaison between internal teams and third-party suppliers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and seamless communication. Additionally, this role supports the Head of Operations and COO in delivering projects, as well as implementing system and process enhancements to optimize operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the completions team, ensuring timely and accurate progression of deals from credit approval to drawdown.
• Drive team performance against SLAs and KPIs, maintaining a high-energy, execution-focused culture.
• Foster collaboration with Lending Managers, Underwriters, Legal, and Compliance teams to deliver a seamless customer experience.
• Manage relationships with solicitors and valuers, ensuring service quality and adherence to SLAs.
• Oversee KYC and AML checks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal procedures.
• Conduct credit searches and manage the team responsible for loan data entry.
• Support testing, enhancement, and automation of operational systems and processes.
• Monitor pipeline activity, proactively resolving delays and bottlenecks.
• Ensure the team effectively utilises internal systems to maintain accurate records, track deal progression, and support operational reporting.
• Coach and develop team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all activities comply with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk management standards.
• Read, follow, and enforce all relevant company policies, including compliance, financial crime, and reporting obligations.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in financial services, with strong knowledge of lending products and onboarding processes.
• Experience in bridging lending is required; experience with other lending products is beneficial.
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of driving team performance and meeting operational targets.
• Strong understanding of completions and drawdown processes.
• Solid knowledge of KYC and AML requirements within lending operations.
• Experience managing third-party relationships and service delivery.
• Proficient in using operational systems and technology to manage workflows and maintain data integrity.
• High energy, execution-focused, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with nCino or similar workflow and loan management platforms is beneficial.

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.