NZ SME Lending BD Lead — Build Our Market

First Circle; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Generous bonus scheme

KiwiSaver employer contributions

Private health insurance

Laptops provided

Flexible working style

NZ-wide travel

Job summary

First Circle NZ is seeking a founder‑level Business Development professional to launch and scale our SME lending in New Zealand. You’ll originate New Zealand Business Credit Lines, build a client base from scratch, and establish a referral network with accountants, brokers and business groups.

Reporting to the Country Manager, you’ll work with risk, credit and marketing teams, shape the go‑to‑market playbook, and have a clear path to leading the NZ sales function as the business grows.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in B2B business development, with SME or commercial lending experience.
• A genuine NZ SME owner, accountant or broker network and credibility to open doors from day one.
• Strong understanding of business credit, cash flow and serviceability for lending opportunities.
• Track record of originating new business against targets, in a startup or growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Originating new NZ Business Credit Line clients and closing established NZ businesses.
• Building a referral network from scratch with accountants, business advisors, brokers and associations.
• Guiding clients through application and onboarding, collecting financials and bank data for underwriting.
• Collaborating with credit teams to structure facilities that work for clients and First Circle.
• Serving as ongoing relationship manager, supporting drawdowns and annual limit reviews.
• Providing market feedback on pricing, sectors and product needs for NZ.

Skills

4+ years B2B BD

NZ SME network

business credit knowledge

origination experience

CRM proficiency

NZ driver license

Tools

CRM software

Job description

First Circle NZ is seeking a founder‑level Business Development professional to launch and scale our SME lending in New Zealand. You’ll originate New Zealand Business Credit Lines, build a client base from scratch, and establish a referral network with accountants, brokers and business groups.

Reporting to the Country Manager, you’ll work with risk, credit and marketing teams, shape the go‑to‑market playbook, and have a clear path to leading the NZ sales function as the business grows.