Hello,
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 a Team Lead – Portfolio Management, you are responsible for guiding the team that manages the ongoing performance and servicing of the loan portfolio, including covenant monitoring, compliance reporting, loan extensions and redemptions, arrears management, and collections.
You ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strong customer outcomes, while driving team performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In this role, you also support the Head of Operations and COO on strategic projects and initiatives to enhance systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Operations Leadership
* Lead and manage the portfolio operations team, ensuring timely and accurate servicing of loans throughout their lifecycle.
* Oversee covenant testing and reporting to ensure ongoing compliance with borrower obligations and internal policies.
* Support restructuring activities, including extensions, redemptions, and variations, ensuring decisions are well-informed, customer-focused, and aligned with risk and commercial requirements.
* Oversee collections and enforcement activity for non-performing loans, ensuring early engagement and effective resolution strategies while working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ensure accurate record-keeping and workflow management using internal systems, including nCino.
* Monitor team performance against SLAs and KPIs, driving a high-performance, execution-focused culture.
* Collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Legal functions to ensure servicing activities align with regulatory expectations.
* Support process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and scalability.
* Coach and develop team members, fostering ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Provide operational support to strategic and transformation projects.
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 Qualifications
* Minimum of 8 years’ experience in lending operations, with strong knowledge of portfolio management, arrears, and recoveries.
* Proven leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive high performance.
* Strong understanding of covenant monitoring, loan variations, and effective customer relationship management.
* Proven experience in debt handling, restructures, and recoveries within a regulated lending environment.
* Proficient in using internal systems to manage workflows and maintain accurate records; familiarity with nCino or similar platforms is advantageous.
* Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities
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 3 days in the office and 2 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.
If you're curious, driven, and ready to be part of something meaningful — where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact — then we’d love to hear from you.
Recognise Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.