Head of SME Trading Sectors, Commercial Banking Coverage

Lloyds Banking Group; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 144,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Head of SME Trading Sectors to drive growth in the trading business, manage a high-performing team, and define a strategic plan. Candidates should have experience in commercial banking, excellent leadership capabilities, and skills in client engagement. This position offers a hybrid work model across various locations in the UK, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Pension contribution of up to 15%

Annual bonus and share schemes

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a UK-regulated commercial banking environment.
• Successful track record of managing sales growth and complex portfolios.
• Ability to lead dispersed teams and engage clients effectively.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a strategic plan for SME Trading business growth.
• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing national team.
• Drive client acquisition and enable complex deal structuring.

Skills

Leadership experience in commercial or SME banking

Sales growth management

Experience leading large teams

Understanding of credit risk and regulation

Interpersonal and communication skills

Strategic problem-solving

Job description

End Date

Thursday 28 August 2025

Salary Range

£144,424 - £169,910

We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options

Flexible Working Options

Hybrid Working, Job Share

Job Description Summary

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Head of SME Trading Sectors, Commercial Banking Coverage

LOCATION: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds or Manchester

HOURS: Full time

WORKING PATTERN: Hybrid, 40% (or two days) in one of our office hubs mentioned above

About this opportunity

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to shape the future of our face-to-face SME Trading business. This is a unique chance to drive sustainable growth and deliver outstanding client outcomes for trading businesses with turnovers between £3m and £25m — a critical and fast-growing part of our Commercial Banking franchise.

In this high-profile role, you’ll lead a team of around 280 Commercial Regional Directors, Area Directors, and Relationship Managers/Directors, responsible for a portfolio of approximately 25,000 trading business customers. Collectively, this portfolio generates c.£750m in income, holds £5bn in lending, and £27bn in deposits, representing a key growth engine within our organization.

Your leadership will extend beyond client delivery. You’ll lead the Growth & Structured Finance team to support the structuring of complex deals, enabling key elements of our Trading Business strategy while championing the SME client proposition.

This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable impact across the UK economy, lead a high-performing national team, and set the standard for excellence in SME client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Define and implement a five-year strategic plan to grow the face-to-face SME Trading business franchise, aligned with the bank’s broader commercial objectives.
• Champion the SME client proposition, ensuring it is brought to life through a performance-driven culture and a relentless focus on client needs.
• Drive origination and acquisition of high-value clients by leveraging the bank’s capabilities, including lending, deposits, payments, trade, and specialist solutions.
• Lead and support Commercial Banking Coverage Sector Heads across priority sectors such as Manufacturing, Legal & Professional, Technology, Wholesale & Retail.

Sales & Relationship Management

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team across the UK.
• Embed a client-centric, insight-led sales culture focused on results.
• Represent the bank at industry events and with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Commercial Banking Coverage leaders to ensure optimal customer strategies.

Risk, Compliance & Credit Oversight

• Use credit skills to assess and manage risk effectively.
• Ensure lending and liabilities meet quality and policy standards.
• Maintain oversight of compliance with policies and regulations.

People & Culture

• Foster inclusive leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Invest in team development through coaching and mentoring.
• Create capacity and succession plans for long-term growth.

Key Skills & Experience

• Leadership experience in commercial or SME banking within a UK-regulated environment.
• Track record of sales growth and managing complex portfolios.
• Experience leading large, dispersed teams.
• Deep understanding of credit risk, regulation, and balance sheet management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic problem-solving and transformational leadership skills.

Performance Measures

• Growth in income and client acquisition.
• Retention and share of wallet expansion.
• Customer satisfaction and NPS improvements.
• Asset quality and RAROC.
• Team engagement and development metrics.

About working for us

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We offer flexible working arrangements, reasonable adjustments for disabilities, and a comprehensive benefits package including a pension contribution of up to 15%, annual bonus, share schemes, and more.

Join us to make a difference and help Britain prosper.