Lending Operations Manager; Interim

Lending Operations Manager - 12 week contract - immediate start

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.

We are seeking an experienced Operations professional for a twelve‑week fixed‑term contract to support the business through a period of team change across both New Business and Portfolio Operations. This is a highly hands‑on role, acting as a central coordination point to maintain operational continuity across deal completions and the ongoing servicing of the loan book.

The role will support the efficient progression of credit‑approved deals through to drawdown, while also ensuring the effective management of existing loans, including covenant monitoring, servicing activity, and issue resolution. Working closely with internal stakeholders and third‑party suppliers, you will help minimise disruption to service levels, protect customer outcomes, and support short‑term operational improvements and project delivery.

• New Business & Completions
• Manage and progress credit‑approved deals from approval through to drawdown, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Provide day‑to‑day, hands‑on oversight across the completions pipeline, identifying and resolving delays or bottlenecks.
• Liaise closely with Lending Managers, Underwriters, Legal, Compliance, solicitors, and valuers to deliver a seamless end‑to‑end process.
• Conduct and oversee KYC and AML checks, ensuring all regulatory and internal requirements are met prior to drawdown.
• Complete and oversee credit searches and loan data entry, maintaining high standards of accuracy and data integrity.

• Portfolio Operations & Servicing
• Support the ongoing servicing and performance management of the loan portfolio across its lifecycle.
• Oversee covenant monitoring and reporting, ensuring ongoing compliance with borrower obligations and internal policies.
• Support loan lifecycle events including extensions, redemptions, restructures, and variations, ensuring outcomes align with risk appetite and commercial requirements.
• Assist with arrears management, collections, and early‑stage enforcement activity, working closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve timely resolution.

• Operational Delivery & Change Support
• Act as a central coordination point between teams during the transition period, supporting clarity of ownership and smooth handovers.
• Use internal systems (including nCino) to track workflows, maintain accurate records, and support MI and reporting.
• Support delivery against SLAs and KPIs, maintaining a strong execution and service‑focused approach during change.
• Assist with system testing, enhancements, and short‑term process improvement or automation initiatives.
• Provide hands‑on operational support to project, transformation, or remediation activity as required.
• Ensure all activity is carried out in line with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and procedures.
• Deliver a consistently high standard of service to both internal and external stakeholders throughout the…