At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development for Virgin Money in Bristol, building key relationships and driving growth.
- Company: Join a modern mutual bank focused on supporting local businesses and the regional economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a competitive pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Bristol commercial banking sector with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong market profile, business growth experience, and excellent relationship management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and a chance to shape a new team.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary range: £60,000 - £75,000 per annum DOE + benefits
Location: Bristol
Contract type: Permanent
Our Strategic Finance team supports commercial, corporate, PLC and private equity backed businesses in our region and across the UK. You will play an important role in building a strong market presence for the Bank in Bristol which has been identified as a key new location to support our growth ambitions under ownership of Nationwide Group. We believe as a modern mutual business bank we have a different way of supporting the growth of local businesses and the regional economy.
What you’ll be doing:
- Launching the Virgin Money Business Banking brand to Bristol and South West ensuring maximum profile achieved with key stakeholders and target market.
- Generating new relationships, focused on Large Commercial and Mid Corporate in Bristol and surrounding area.
- Strong Relationship Management of business portfolio.
- Being accountable for risk and compliance to identify signs of stress and risk with the aim of minimising the Bank’s exposure to bad and doubtful debt.
- Acting according to the strategy and growth plan to optimise income and build a targeted portfolio through effective origination and execution of high-quality lending opportunities.
- Generate local opportunities for specialist team e.g. leverage finance, asset finance.
- Develop strong relationships with wider team.
We see this initial team as being the foundations for building a larger full service team in the future. From the outset the new team will be fully supported by existing colleagues across all segments and specialisms e.g. acquisition finance, associate director and operational support.
We need you to have:
- A strong well recognised market profile, regarded as a leading figure within the Bristol Commercial banking sector, with an established reputation among clients and professional advisers.
- A track record of generating business growth, identifying, structuring, negotiating and delivering new business opportunities.
- Excellent relationship building and influence skills - ability to engage senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience of originating, structuring and executing lending opportunities of £5million+ with full ownership from origination through credit approval to completion.
- Skilled in managing all aspects of a deal process from inception to completion – including preparation of detailed and well researched credit papers, leading negotiations with Management Teams, Advisors and Funding Partners, the instruction and review of detailed Due Diligence reports, overseeing of legal processes and the management of all aspects of a deal completion process.
- An established record of delivering fantastic relationship management.
- A memorable personal approach where you push for better outcomes for all.
- Highly organised with strong project management abilities, able to prioritise, coordinate across teams and deliver outcome under tight deadlines.
- Experienced in leading cross functional collaboration and influencing outcomes across different business areas.
We would like you to have:
- Relevant vocational financial services qualification – e.g. Chartered Institute of Bankers, Chartered Accountant etc.
- In depth understanding of risk and compliance requirements in line with the role.
- Business degree or significant financial services experience within a Business Lending Environment.
Red Hot Rewards:
- 25 days holiday per year, increasing over time to 30. Plus, an option to buy more, giving you even more choice.
- Private medical insurance.
- A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement.
- Access to an annual performance-related bonus.
- Training and development to help you progress your career.
- A great selection of additional benefits through our flexible benefits scheme.
- Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year.
If we’re lucky to receive a lot of interest, we may close the advert early. Please ensure to submit your applications as soon as possible.
Applications Close: 30 Jan 2026 (11.55pm GMT)
Director Business Development in England employer: Virgin Money
Contact Detail:
Virgin Money Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Business Development in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Bristol commercial banking scene. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people know you, the better your chances of landing that Director Business Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you meet potential employers or clients, share your insights on market trends and business growth strategies. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also demonstrates your value to the team. Remember, we want to see that memorable personal approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! If you’ve had a chat with someone about opportunities, drop them a quick email thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to build those all-important relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us grow. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t wait too long though; the sooner you apply, the better your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Business Development in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director Business Development role. Highlight your experience in generating business growth and managing relationships, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in the Bristol commercial banking sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for supporting local businesses and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention your track record in originating high-value lending opportunities!
Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills: We want to see how you build and maintain relationships. Include examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders and influenced outcomes in previous roles. This will help us understand your approach to relationship management.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t wait too long, though – we might close applications early if we get a lot of interest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Money
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the Bristol commercial banking sector. Understand the key players, recent trends, and how Virgin Money can stand out. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your influence led to successful outcomes. This is crucial for a Director of Business Development, so make sure your stories are clear and impactful.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with high-value lending opportunities. Bring along examples of deals you've originated and executed, detailing your role in each stage. This will showcase your ability to manage complex processes and deliver results.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Virgin Money's growth ambitions and values. During the interview, express how your personal approach aligns with their mission to support local businesses. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits their culture.