Relationship Officer in Manchester

About Us

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank PLC, the most profitable bank in Nigeria with an established trajectory of superlative performance, as well a strong pedigree of innovation, resilience, and market dominance. On an annual basis, Zenith Bank PLC amasses a string of notable awards; one of the most recent being listed as the sole Nigerian brand on the World’s top 100 companies in 2023 by the World Finance Magazine. Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) was set up with a clear strategy to leverage trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Europe, by providing intermediary banking services and facilities for trade-related working capital and capital expenditure. Zenith Bank recognizes the importance of leveraging a highly skilled workforce to achieve its strategic and operational goals. The bank is committed to providing an environment that is conducive for effective performance by availing all staff the necessary learning opportunity. We value the well-being of our staff and we encourage them to strike a balance between their work and personal lives, thereby creating a healthy atmosphere for personal development and career success. With the introduction of new services here in the UK and our unparalleled knowledge of business with Africa, our 5 year strategy ensures “Controlled Growth” as we aim to become the Bank of choice for businesses wishing to transact in the African continent.

Role Overview

We are seeking a high-performing Relationship Officer to support the continued growth of the Manchester Branch by driving business development across both Corporate Banking and Wealth Management. The successful candidate will be responsible for originating, managing, and expanding a diverse portfolio of corporate, institutional, and High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) clients. The role requires a strong focus on relationship building, proactive business development, and the delivery of exceptional, client‑centric banking services. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of client needs, while maintaining a high standard of relationship management and operational efficiency. The role also involves supporting the delivery of tailored financial solutions, including investment‑related services for HNWI clients, in coordination with senior wealth management colleagues. In addition, the Relationship Officer will leverage the Bank’s international network and collaborate effectively with teams across credit, treasury, product, and compliance to structure and deliver suitable solutions. This position plays a key role in driving revenue growth, enhancing client satisfaction, and strengthening long‑term client relationships across both corporate and private banking segments.

Role Responsibilities

• Business Development & Client Acquisition: Support the Relationship Manager in maintaining and updating a pipeline of corporate and High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) clients. Prepare client presentations, pitch materials, and proposals as directed by the RM/Branch Head. Participate in client meetings, providing administrative and follow‑up support. Maintain accurate pipeline records and support reporting and performance tracking activities.
• Client Relationship Management: Manage the day‑to‑day banking needs of an assigned portfolio of corporate and HNWI clients, acting as a first point of contact for routine enquiries and service requests. Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular contact, account reviews, and a clear and proactive understanding of client needs. Support the identification and execution of cross‑selling opportunities across lending, trade finance, transactional banking, FX, and wealth management solutions. Escalate complex client matters, significant account changes, or risk concerns promptly to the Relationship Manager. Contribute to the delivery of a high‑quality, client‑centric banking experience.
• Wealth Solutions & Advisory Support: Facilitate client access to basic banking and wealth products, including deposits, FX, and liquidity solutions. Work closely with the Relationship Manager and the Head of Wealth Management in the London office to support the delivery of investment advisory and other specialised services to qualifying HNWI clients. Identify client needs and coordinate referrals to appropriate internal teams and partners. Provide relationship and administrative support in delivering wealth solutions, in line with regulatory requirements. Maintain an up‑to‑date awareness of the Bank’s wealth management product offering, relevant regulatory changes, and market developments affecting the HNWI client segment.
• Credit & Transaction Support: Support the Relationship Manager in structuring and preparing credit applications, including credit approval memoranda and supporting documentation. Assist in identifying and managing buy‑to‑let mortgage opportunities. Collaborate with Credit Analysts to gather financial data and any information that requires clarification. Assist the Relationship Manager to ensure all credit files and facility documentation are accurate, current, and properly maintained. Track facility maturities, covenant compliance, and annual review schedules for the assigned portfolio and alert the Relationship Manager in a timely manner.
• Onboarding & Regulatory Compliance: Manage client onboarding processes, ensuring full compliance with KYC, AML, and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements. Liaise with the Compliance and Client Onboarding teams to ensure accurate and efficient account setup, and to resolve any documentation queries or gaps. Identify and escalate any irregularities in client documentation or records. Adhere to FCA and PRA requirements, as well as internal policies and training obligations. Adhere to the Bank’s Conduct Rules and complete all mandatory training within required timelines.
• Operations & Risk Management: Conduct regular reviews of client accounts to identify and mitigate operational risks, including dormant accounts, unusual transaction patterns, or documentation gaps. Contribute to management information and reporting, including pipeline updates, portfolio performance summaries, and loan maturity schedules, as directed by the Relationship Manager. Support transaction processing, including payment verifications and client enquiries. Coordinate with internal departments (e.g. Payments, Trade Finance, IT, Customer Services) to ensure efficient service delivery. Maintain a working knowledge of the Bank’s operational controls and risk management framework relevant to the Relationship Officer role.
• Reporting & Administration: Support the preparation of Board and EXCO reporting materials relating to the Manchester Branch portfolio and pipeline where required. Contribute to management information and reporting as directed by the Relationship Manager, including pipeline updates, portfolio performance summaries, and loan maturity schedules. Maintain accurate, organised, and up‑to‑date records and documentation in full compliance with the Bank’s internal policies and document management standards.

Skills/Knowledge Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Finance, Economics, Business, Law, or a related discipline.
• 3 - 4 years’ experience within banking or financial services, with a working knowledge of corporate banking, trade finance, or wealth management products considered an advantage.
• Understanding of UK KYC, AML, CDD, and regulatory requirements (FCA / PRA).
• Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in building a career in relationship banking.

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Numerical and analytical aptitude.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse teams.
• Additional language skills are an advantage.

This is a permanent position, paying up to £48,000.00 based on experience.