SME Relationship Director

Lloyds Banking Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Westminster seeks a Relationship Director for its SME team. The role involves managing a client portfolio, ensuring excellent client experiences, and delivering tailored financial solutions. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential. Successful candidates will have a track record in commercial banking and the ability to manage risks while driving business growth. Benefits include generous holidays, pension contributions, and performance-related bonuses.

Benefits

Generous pension contribution

Annual performance-related bonus

Share schemes

Flexible benefits

30 days' holiday

Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial banking and managing client relationships.
• Ability to negotiate effective legal and commercial terms.
• Expertise in risk management and lending environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-profile client relationships as a trusted advisor.
• Identify and deliver tailored financial solutions to clients.
• Build a strong network to create business opportunities.
• Lead efforts to win new clients through outreach.
• Manage risks while sustaining client satisfaction.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Winning new business

Team collaboration

Negotiation of legal terms

Risk assessment

Credit evaluation

Job description

We’re seeking a dedicated individual for the role of Relationship Director within our SME team at Lloyds Banking Group. This outstanding opportunity is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about driving world‑class financial solutions. As part of our ambitious team, the role involves crafting our market presence and supporting clients in achieving their financial goals. Managing a specific portfolio of client relationships involves ensuring flawless client experiences while effectively applying strategies to increase income, balance sheet, and market share. Responsibility for managing any related risks is also included. Building strong internal and external networks is crucial to connect the entire bank to the client. This role involves working with businesses with turnovers between £10m‑£25m, helping them unlock their potential through tailored financial solutions. Representing Lloyds to existing and new clients includes building trust, delivering value, and driving growth. Serving as an important contributor to our local market presence, assist clients and cultivate significant business opportunities. Representation of Lloyds Banking Group involves interacting with senior collaborators throughout the professional community.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing high‑profile client relationships, putting the client at the heart of your actions, and becoming a "trusted advisor".
• Proactively identifying and delivering Commercial Banking solutions to meet clients' business needs, including day‑to‑day banking, payments, deposits, cards, and lending.
• Building a strong network of internal and external partners to open doors and develop opportunities.
• Leading efforts to win new clients through strategic outreach and relationship building.
• Connecting with Group Partner companies to provide comprehensive solutions that address client needs.
• Managing the risk side of your client portfolio, including supporting clients in developing ESG strategies and their journey to Net Zero.
• Developing revenue, balance sheet, and client base while managing corresponding risks.
• Managing a portfolio of client relationships, usually engaging with Directors and Owner Managers.
• Identifying client needs and developing strategies to meet those needs, involving product, coverage, and support teams as necessary. Performing lending assessments and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Maintaining a balance between risk and reward, ensuring that all lending and contingent liabilities align with the Bank's asset quality and policy guidelines.
• Being acknowledged as the main banker in your designated geographic area. Sustaining a solid presence with external influencers and the local business community to achieve the Bank's objective of becoming the leading bank for clients.
• Crafting and applying effective partnerships within the Client Relationship Team.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Strong communication skills with experience in building, crafting, and maintaining relationships with clients and influential external partners.
• A consistent track record of winning new business in a competitive environment within corporate or commercial banking.
• A skilled great teammate with a drive and passion to succeed both individually and as part of the wider team.
• Detailed understanding of legal documentation, with the ability to negotiate legal and commercial terms effectively.
• An understanding and appreciation of the different types of risk in a lending environment and how to minimize such risks.
• Validated credit experience, skilled at evaluating propositions and making confident and effective commercial recommendations to the Credit team.

Benefits

• A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
• An annual performance‑related bonus
• Share schemes including free shares
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• 30 days' holiday, with bank holidays on top
• A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies

We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long‑term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to reduce or remove barriers. Just let us know what you need.