Remote SME Lending Associate | Scotland

Northreach; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job description

REMOTE, Field Based - Scotland- Lending Associate

Northreach is a dynamic recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent across Financial Services and Investment sectors. We specialise in delivering a seamless recruitment experience for both clients and candidates, supporting growth, innovation, and long-term career development.

A well-established and growing UK investment fund is seeking an experienced Lending Associate / Relationship Manager to support its expanding SME lending portfolio focused on high-growth businesses across Scotland and the wider UK.

We’re looking for someone with strong commercial lending or SME finance experience who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven investment environment and enjoys working closely with Senior Lending Team members to support deal execution and portfolio management.

The Role

You will support Senior Lending Team members across the full lending lifecycle, from post-approval execution through to ongoing portfolio monitoring and client engagement.

• Supporting Senior Lending Team members with post-approval processes including facility documentation, security arrangements, and completion of Conditions Precedent
• Liaising with internal Risk teams and external legal/security partners to ensure smooth transaction execution
• Assisting with mid-term amendments, repayment requests, and drafting supporting credit papers where required
• Monitoring portfolio performance, reviewing monthly financial information, and identifying early warning indicators or potential covenant risks
• Supporting proactive portfolio management and client relationship engagement alongside Senior Lending Team members
• Contributing to fund reporting, internal updates, and investor-facing materials where required
• Supporting analysis of SME financial accounts and management information to inform credit recommendations

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in SME lending, commercial banking, relationship management, or debt advisory roles
• Strong understanding of cashflow-based lending and SME credit fundamentals
• Experience supporting or preparing credit papers or lending proposals (advantageous)
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial statements and management accounts
• Comfortable managing multiple workstreams and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-moving environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office 365

Highly Desirable

• Experience in market-gap or growth lending (non-bank lending preferred)
• Exposure to portfolio monitoring and covenant management
• Existing professional network within Scottish SME or investment markets
• Experience working closely with senior deal teams or credit committees

Why This Opportunity?

This is a high-impact role offering:

• Clear progression within the organisation
• Close collaboration with experienced senior deal professionals and risk teams
• Strong visibility across deal execution and portfolio strategy
• Opportunity to work with ambitious, high-growth SMEs
• A chance to develop into a senior lending role within a growing organisation