New Business Operations Manager

Recognise Bank; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks

Tailored training and development support

Hybrid working model

Private medical care

Enhanced pension scheme

Maternity, paternity & adoption pay

Discretionary company bonus

Job summary

A modern business bank in Milton Keynes is seeking a Team Lead – New Business to support credit approved deals through drawdown. This role demands a minimum of 8 years’ experience in financial services, particularly in lending products. You will manage day-to-day deal progression, ensure compliance with KYC and AML standards, and maintain stakeholder relations. The company offers competitive time off, private medical care, and a hybrid working model to support employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in financial services.
• Proven leadership experience with operational targets.
• Strong understanding of completions and drawdown processes.
• Strong understanding of completions and drawdown processes.
• Solid knowledge of KYC and AML requirements within lending operations.
• Experience managing third-party relationships and service delivery.
• Proficient in using operational systems to manage workflows and maintain data integrity.
• High energy, execution-focused, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with nCino or similar platforms is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day progression of deals from credit approval to drawdown.
• Liaise with various stakeholders to ensure timely completion.
• Conduct KYC and AML checks prior to drawdown.
• Liaise with Lending Managers, Underwriters, solicitors and valuers to ensure timely completion.
• Conduct and oversee KYC and AML checks, ensuring onboarding activity is compliant and complete prior to drawdown.
• Use internal systems to manage deal progression, maintain records, and support MI reporting.
• Monitor pipeline activity and elevate issues or delays.
• Support the New Business Operations Manager in driving performance against SLAs and KPIs.
• Contribute to process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Provide excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of lending products

Stakeholder management skills

KYC and AML understanding

Strong leadership ability

Experience in bridging lending

Third-party management

Workflow optimization

nCino familiarity

Tools

nCino or similar platforms

Job description

About Recognise Bank

We are Recognise Bank; a modern business bank built to support the UK’s SMEs with tailored lending and savings solutions. Founded in 2017 by experienced business owners, we set out to challenge traditional banking by offering more flexibility, understanding, and practical support to help businesses thrive. Since receiving our banking licence in 2021, we’ve built a loyal customer base and a strong, diverse team that puts people first.

Our vision is building stronger futures with bespoke financial solutions. We understand that no two financial needs are the same, which is why we work closely with UK SMEs and individuals to unlock potential others often overlook. Through smart, flexible lending and savings products, we’re here to build and grow stronger futures for lasting success.

Our values shape how we work and grow together:

• Can do, will do: We take ownership, solve problems, and adapt as our customers’ needs evolve.
• Be brilliant: We show up with curiosity and energy, always striving for better.
• Do the right thing: We act with integrity, responsibility, and care in everything we do.
• Make a difference: We focus on impact, helping our customers, colleagues, and communities succeed.

About the role

As the Team Lead – New Business you will support the delivery of credit‑approved deals through to drawdown, working closely with internal teams and third‑party suppliers. You will focus on execution, service quality, and maintaining momentum across the completions pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day progression of deals from credit approval to drawdown.
• Complete credit searches and loan data input.
• Support testing and enhancement of internal systems.
• Liaise with Lending Managers, Underwriters, solicitors and valuers to ensure timely completion.
• Conduct and oversee KYC and AML checks, ensuring all onboarding activity is compliant and complete prior to drawdown.
• Use internal systems to manage deal progression, maintain records, and support MI reporting.
• Monitor pipeline activity and elevate issues or delays.
• Support the New Business Operations Manager in driving performance against SLAs and KPIs.
• Contribute to process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Support project work, contributing operational insight and execution.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Provide excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Corporate Responsibilities
• Read and follow all relevant company policies and procedures
• Adhere to all risk‑related responsibilities applicable to your role, as set out in the Risk Management Policy
• Abide by all compliance and financial crime related policies, procedures and reporting obligations applicable to your role

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in financial services, with strong knowledge of lending products and onboarding processes.
• Experience in bridging lending is required; experience with other lending products is beneficial.
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of driving team performance and meeting operational targets.
• Strong understanding of completions and drawdown processes.
• Solid knowledge of KYC and AML requirements within lending operations.
• Experience managing third‑party relationships and service delivery.
• Proficient in using operational systems and technology to manage workflows and maintain data integrity.
• High energy, execution‑focused, and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with nCino or similar workflow and loan management platforms is beneficial.

Why Join?

At Recognise Bank, we’re building more than a bank — we’re creating a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference 💡, supported to be brilliant ✨ with a can do will do attitude, and trusted to do the right thing 🤝.

We believe that when our people thrive, so do our customers. That’s why we invest in an environment that reflects our values and supports your growth, flexibility, and wellbeing.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Competitive Time Off – Generous annual leave plus bank holidays to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Work From Anywhere – Up to 4 weeks per year to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
• Learning & Development – Tailored training and support to grow your skills and achieve your professional goals.
• Hybrid Working – To support your work‑life balance, we offer a hybrid working model with 4 days in the office and 1 days remote.
• Private Medical Care with Vitality – Comprehensive healthcare including optical and dental coverage to keep you healthy.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme – Helping you plan and save for a secure future.
• Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Pay – Supporting you and your family during important life moments.
• Discretionary Company Bonus – Rewarding your contribution to our shared success.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

• Finance, Management, and Project Management

Industries

• Financial Services, Banking, and Investment Banking