Relationship Manager - SME & Commercial

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Relationship Manager for Commercial & SME Banking in South London. The role involves managing a profitable portfolio while ensuring regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service. Candidates should possess a minimum of 5 years' experience in banking and demonstrate strong skills in relationship management and financial analysis. The successful applicant will enjoy a competitive salary and professional development opportunities in a collaborative office environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary of 45,000-50,000

Professional development

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Relationship Manager role within the banking sector.
• Strong understanding of credit processes and risk management.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of Commercial/SME clients.
• Ensure customer interactions follow Treating Customers Fairly guidelines.
• Achieve asset and deposit growth targets for the branch.

Skills

Relationship management & customer service

Financial analysis & credit understanding

Regulatory knowledge

Staff development & coaching

Presentation skills

Negotiation skills

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!