At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse portfolio, ensuring client satisfaction and sustainable growth.
- Company: Skipton Business Finance, a trusted partner for UK SMEs for over 20 years.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, bonuses, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team committed to innovation and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of business finance while driving impactful client outcomes.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in Invoice Finance or Asset Based Lending.
Hours: Permanent role. 35 hours. Hybrid working. You will be required to attend our Bracknell and Birmingham offices each week and will be expected to visit our Head Office in Skipton every quarter.
At Skipton Business Finance, we’re looking for a Head of Portfolio Management to deliver senior operational and portfolio leadership across a substantial Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending client portfolio within Skipton Business Finance.
Who Are We?
Skipton Business Finance, part of the Skipton Group, has been helping UK SMEs fulfil their aspirations for over 20 years by providing working capital solutions that support their ambitious growth plans. With a rich history rooted in reliability and innovation, we leverage our expertise to offer a diverse range of financial products, including Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending. Our commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client enables us as a team to deliver personalised and responsive services, fostering long‑term partnerships built on trust and mutual success.
At Skipton Business Finance, we strive to be more than just a financial provider. We aim to be a strategic partner, guiding businesses towards sustainable growth and prosperity. Join our team as we navigate the dynamic landscape of business finance together.
What Will You Be Doing?
As Head of Portfolio Management, you’ll be accountable for delivering outstanding client outcomes, sustainable growth, and robust risk management, while shaping a high‑performance culture and embedding strong governance aligned to SBF’s strategy and values.
- Lead a diverse Invoice Finance and Asset‑Based Lending portfolio, ensuring alignment with SBF’s strategy, risk appetite, and lending criteria, while supporting the Chief Operating Officer in delivering regional growth and operations.
- Lead regional teams to deliver consistent, high‑quality service across the client lifecycle, driving operational excellence, strong controls, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure robust credit risk management across the portfolio, maintaining adherence to policy, approval conditions, and ongoing monitoring, while contributing to reviews and escalating emerging risks appropriately.
- Own portfolio profitability, ensuring effective income monitoring, appropriate charging, cost recovery, and delivery of agreed commercial outcomes aligned to business objectives.
- Ensures full adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies and financial crime prevention standards, promoting strong risk awareness, fair customer outcomes and ethical conduct.
What Do We Need From You?
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- Extensive experience in senior operational leadership within IF / ABL environments
- Proven track record of managing large, complex client portfolios
- Strong commercial judgement and decision‑making in complex risk environments
- Experience of underwriting and structuring facilities up to £20m
- Ability to lead and influence at senior and executive levels
- Ability to balance growth, service excellence and credit discipline
What's In It For You?
Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space.
We have a range of other benefits available to you including:
- Quarterly discretionary bonus scheme
- Car allowance
- 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days
- Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days
- Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
- Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
- Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
- A commitment to training and development
- Private medical insurance for all our colleagues
- 3 paid volunteering days per annum
- Diverse and inclusive colleague networks including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
- Health and wellbeing support including cycle‑to‑work and discounted gym membership
Head Of Portfolio Management | Bracknell, UK employer: Skipton
Skipton Business Finance is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the finance sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working in a supportive environment that values operational excellence and strategic leadership. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a dynamic work-life balance and the chance to contribute to meaningful financial solutions for our clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Portfolio Management | Bracknell, UK
✨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 Skipton. 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 Head Of Portfolio Management | Bracknell, UK
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 Skipton.
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 Skipton'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 Skipton
✨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 Skipton.
✨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 Skipton 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 Skipton 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.
