Relationship Manager - SME & Commercial

LJ Recruitment; Southall; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking organization seeks an experienced Relationship Manager for their Branch Banking team in South London. The role emphasizes managing Commercial and SME client portfolios, driving profitable growth, and ensuring compliance. Expectations include having at least 5 years of banking experience, strong knowledge of credit processes, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary between £45,000 and £50,000, as well as professional development opportunities within a collaborative office-based environment.

Benefits

Professional development support

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Relationship Manager role within the banking sector.
• Strong understanding of credit processes, risk management, and commercial banking products.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of Commercial/SME clients.
• Conduct regular customer meetings and business development activities.
• Prepare and negotiate customer credit proposals.

Skills

Relationship management & customer service

Financial analysis & credit understanding

Regulatory knowledge

Staff development & coaching

Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills

Confident and proactive

Education

Professional qualifications or commitment to obtaining them

Job description

Relationship Manager – Commercial & SME Banking

Location: South London (Fully Office-Based)

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Relationship Manager to join our Branch Banking team. This role focuses on driving profitable growth by providing high-quality relationship management to Commercial and SME clients. You will own a designated portfolio, manage credit needs, identify new opportunities, and ensure exceptional customer outcomes.

This is a key position for an ambitious banking professional who can balance portfolio growth with robust risk awareness, early warning identification, and strong adherence to regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Portfolio Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of Commercial/SME clients.
• Conduct regular customer meetings, networking, and business development activities.
• Ensure all customer interactions follow TCF (Treating Customers Fairly) guidelines.
• Handle targeted account opening volumes and refer clients for Trade, FX, or Islamic banking products where appropriate.

Commercial Growth

• Achieve asset and deposit growth targets for the branch.
• Prepare and negotiate customer credit proposals.
• Submit credit papers and account-opening documents to internal approval teams.
• Support the disbursement of lending in line with business objectives.

Control & Compliance

• Manage credit renewals in accordance with policy and deadlines.
• Monitor compliance-related transactions and ensure Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) is completed.
• Track excesses and Key Risk Indicators across all key accounts.
• Ensure branch SLAs are achieved for account opening and ongoing servicing.

Team & Branch Support

• Coach and support junior RMs/RSOs to achieve KPI expectations.
• Assist in preparing MI, meeting materials, presentations, and business development reporting.
• Contribute to branch-related projects, planning, data analysis, and championing operational initiatives.
• Provide support to interns and new joiners where required.

Regulatory Conduct

• Adhere to the FCA and PRA Conduct Rules at all times, demonstrating integrity, skill, diligence, and commitment to delivering good customer outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with the Certification Regime, conduct risk standards, and internal policy frameworks.

Experience & Requirements

Minimum 5 years' experience in a Relationship Manager role within the banking sector (Commercial/SME preferred).

Strong understanding of credit processes, risk management, and commercial banking products.

Evidence of ongoing CPD and professional qualifications (or commitment to obtaining them).

Demonstrated competence in:

• Relationship management & customer service
• Financial analysis & credit understanding
• Regulatory knowledge
• Staff development & coaching
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Confident, proactive, and capable of managing a busy diary and diverse workload.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £45,000-£50,000
• Professional development and ongoing certification support
• A collaborative, office-based working environment in South London
• The opportunity to influence branch commercial performance and build strong corporate relationships

If you are a driven Relationship Manager with strong commercial expertise and a passion for exceptional client service, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today