Assistant Relationship Manager - Ethical Bank, Kent

Job Title: Lending Officer - Ethical Bank

Location: Tonbridge, Kent (Home Based Contract)

Our Client

An ethical Savings and Loans Bank that was always going to be different. What drives them isn't profits, but a shared idea about the world they want to live in. They were founded to support charities with loans that they couldn't find elsewhere and to show people how their savings could be invested ethically and in ways that would make them happy.

They offer savings accounts for individuals, charities & businesses and loans to small and large organisations where the loan is being used for a social purpose.

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Lending Officer is responsible for supporting the Director of Lending in growing the Bank's loan book through the conversion of new borrowing opportunities into attractive loans, the effective management of existing borrowing and third party relationships, and the effective management of new enquiries received by Head Office.

Key priorities include:

• Working alongside the Director of Lending, to develop new lending opportunities within the Bank's risk appetite and criteria into drawn loans.
• Manage existing relationships and borrowers, as agreed with the Director of Lending
• In conjunction with the Director of Lending, manage relationships with other lenders, both social and mainstream, with a view to cross-referring (where outside our risk appetite) or working in partnership.
• Manage relationships with sector bodies, umbrella organisations and brokers with a view to generating loan referrals
• Be a champion for actual and potential customers in the social sector.
• Meet business development targets as agreed with the Director of Lending.
• Other tasks as may be directed by the Director of Lending

Key Accountabilities

• Assess the risks associated with a loan application, review the business plans / financial information relating to a potential borrower, and liaise with its trustees /managers / directors. Accompany the Director of Lending on client visits, to both existing and potential borrowers.
• Support the Director of Lending in the preparation of Business Acceptance Panels memos, Indicative Terms and the calling of Deal Teams.
• Assist the Director of Lending in structuring deals with both senior and junior lenders.
• Provide support to other members of the Banking Team to ensure that credit applications are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide support to other members of the Banking Team, where required, to ensure that approved loans are processed quickly and efficiently through to final drawdown.
• Support the Credit Department in the production of annual reviews by seeking answers to questions where appropriate. At all times maintain and manage the relationship with the borrower
• Be responsible for the full and accurate utilisation of the CRM system.
• Accept and record initial loan enquiries made to the Bank by entering them on to the CRM system and allocating, where appropriate, to the regional team.
• Respond to consultations and calls for evidence, as directed by Executive Committee members.
• As directed by the Director of Lending manage a portfolio of borrowers.
• Undertake external activities, to raise awareness of the Bank's role and mission.
• Support the marketing and PR activity of the Communications Team.
• Identify opportunities to raise awareness of the Bank and its activities with government and other stakeholders.
• Meet targets set by the Director of Lending with appropriate training and support.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5 years relevant experience with a strong background in banking or similar organisation
• Experience of lending, credit analysis, in a commercial environment
• Banking qualification (or qualified by experience)
• Analytical skills including review of annual reports and accounts
• Knowledge of company law and accounting policies and standards

Other Requirements

• Some unsocial hours when needs arise
• Travel within the UK

What's on offer

• Working in a small organisation where you can really make a difference
• Close and constant interaction with the bank's senior stakeholders
• Base salary of GBP35-GBP45k, depending on experience
• Benefits include: 25 days holiday, pension, private medical insurance, death in service, volunteering, give as you earn scheme, childcare vouchers etc.