Managing Director - SWIG Finance

Moon Executive Search; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Managing Director at a mission-led finance organization. This role is pivotal in driving the growth and strategic direction of the company, focusing on community impact and financial services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong operational background, exceptional leadership qualities, and a passion for developing new lending products while maintaining robust stakeholder relationships. If you are a dynamic leader with a proven track record in the financial sector and looking to make a significant impact, this role could be your next career milestone.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior roles within financial services.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic development and growth of SWIG Finance.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and promote SWIG's role in finance.

Skills

Strategic Development

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Commercial Funding Negotiation

Regulatory Knowledge

Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Multitasking

Job description

Managing Director SWIG Finance (part of South West Investment Group)

Location – resident in the South West

Full time position; Flexible working arrangements from home and office

Salary: Available on application

For more than 30 years, SWIG has provided debt finance (up to £250,000) to micro and small businesses throughout the greater southwest. This lending is an important part of the finance ecosystem, complementing banks and other SME financiers. SWIG has frontline hubs in Bristol, Exeter and Poole and a larger office in Truro where the back office functions are located. Front line business development managers are spread throughout the region. SWIG is a mission-led lender and measures its impact in accordance with the United Nations Social Development Goals. All profits are reinvested to support further impact lending. SWIG lends its own funds at risk and has fee-based arrangements to manage external Funds, having headline contracts with Start-Up Loans Company and British Business Bank.

Due to retirement, we now wish to appoint a new Managing Director for SWIG Finance. SWIG Finance is the principal operating subsidiary in the South West Investment Group, and is regulated by the FCA. This is an exciting role to continue to drive and lead the growth aspirations of SWIG, building on the steady state growth achieved in recent years and pivot from the established brand and unique capabilities synonymous with SWIG.

As the most senior Executive within the organisation, the Managing Director will be responsible for the success of the business and further driving its growth. This will require an individual who can demonstrate both an impressive track record of operational achievement, together with the skill set to lead in developing new strategic directions that may include on-boarding new lines of lending capital, developing new products and finding new routes to market. Familiarity and passion for community, impact, ESG/net zero and financial support in addition to profitability will be necessary to meet the vision and objectives of SWIG.

As a leading outward face of SWIG, the Managing Director has a key role to play with the complex and varied stakeholder relationships. SWIG’s Managing Director needs to feel comfortable in the company of other financial sector leaders and have the confidence to promote SWIG’s role in the evolving finance landscape.

For this role, we are seeking:

• A track record of working in a senior role to drive the successful strategic development, operation and growth of a commercial/financial services business.
• An authentic and active leader who can inspire colleagues and bring energy and enthusiasm to their work, motivate and develop the team, and share the ethos of SWIG.
• Highly numerate with strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience of securing and negotiating commercial funding.
• Previous exposure to working in a regulated business, and credentials that will ensure FCA approval.
• Practical experience of SME businesses and their financial circumstances.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in developing and maintaining strong relationships across the south west region with current and potential stakeholders.
• Good communications skills in both small groups and large events.
• Ability to work flexibly in absorbing unpredictable demands that exist in an SME team including multitasking, juggling priorities, having time for people and pivoting from strategic to practical.
• Comfortable managing multi-location staff.

To Apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter to our retained Search consultants Vanessa Moon or Simon Quinn via [e-mail] by close of business on 14th March 2025 quoting reference MC2552 or call us on 01275 371200 if you would like further information.

NB SWIG has retained Search Firm Moon Executive Search for this campaign and therefore are unable to accept CVs from third party agencies. All CVs and expressions of interest received will be forwarded directly to Moon Executive Search for consideration.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• General Business and Management
• Industries
• Financial Services, Investment Management, and Professional Services