Portfolio Director Invoice Finance and ABL - South

Skipton Building Society; Binfield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in the UK is seeking a Portfolio Director to shape strategic direction for Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background in finance and a proven track record in underwriting complex transactions. This role involves driving growth, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing stakeholder relationships. Benefits include a competitive bonus scheme, flexible working options, and comprehensive medical insurance.

Benefits

Competitive discretionary bonus scheme

Car allowance

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Matching employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Cycle-to-work initiative

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending.
• Proven expertise in underwriting and structuring complex ABL transactions up to £20m.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Southern Operations and deliver service excellence across portfolios.
• Execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee risk assessment and credit policy adherence.

Skills

Leadership in Finance

Underwriting expertise

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Financial acumen

Risk management

Cybersecurity awareness

Tools

Riskfactor or similar

Job description

Skipton Business Finance is delighted to announce a fantastic leadership opportunity for the position of Portfolio Director - Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending (South). This is a pivotal role that will shape the strategic direction of our Southern region across both IF and ABL, supporting and growing our existing portfolio while helping to support new business to achieve ambitious growth targets. As Portfolio Director, you will play a key role in influencing and defining the future of our business. We are seeking a leader who brings experience in both Invoice Finance and ABL lending—someone visionary, inspiring, and passionate about driving growth and delivering excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead Southern Operations: Create a collaborative, high‑performing culture and deliver service excellence across Invoice Finance and ABL portfolios.
• Drive Strategy & Growth: Execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives and support new business origination.
• Risk & Compliance: Oversee risk assessment, credit policy adherence, and regulatory compliance (FCA, GDPR).
• Underwriting & Credit: Underwrite complex IF and ABL facilities up to £20m, ensuring robust credit decisions. Manage the regional process for Annual Review and Security Reviews for all clients.
• Portfolio Oversight: Monitor client performance, manage escalations, and ensure early identification of risk.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Sales, Credit, ExCo, and external partners to deliver seamless client journeys.
• Leadership & Development: Inspire and develop your team and support the COO to embed a culture of ownership, accountability, teamwork, and service excellence. Drive consistency across North and South regions, ensuring a one‑business approach.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending.
• Proven expertise in underwriting and structuring complex ABL transactions up to £20m, including drafting credit approval papers with financial covenants and borrowing base criteria.
• Deep technical knowledge of invoice finance processes, debtor management, collateral valuation, and recovery procedures.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, compliance standards, and risk management principles.
• Financial acumen to interpret and challenge cash flow forecasts at entity and group level.
• Experience with Riskfactor or similar systems, plus awareness of cybersecurity and data protection.
• Legal and technical skillset in ABL, including insolvency processes and Management Buy‑Out/Buy‑In structures.
• British Business Bank scheme experience including, but not limited to, term loans, IF variant and the ABL variant.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Commercial mindset and customer focus, combined with resilience and sound judgement under pressure.

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.

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:

Benefits

• Competitive 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
• Three paid volunteering days per annum
• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join—including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
• We care about your health and wellbeing — we provide a range of benefits that support this, including a cycle‑to‑work initiative and discounted gym membership