Junior Portfolio Manager

About the role

This role sits at the heart of how Recognise Bank measures its commitment to UK small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that every financial decision translates into real-world resilience for clients. You will own the end-to-end administration of a specific loan book, acting as the primary guardian of its health and accuracy from initiation through to final resolution. Success in this position means balancing meticulous procedural adherence with a proactive desire to improve customer outcomes at every touchpoint. You will work in close collaboration with the Portfolio Management team, translating their strategic direction into precise daily actions. The role demands unwavering integrity and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that internal policies, established procedures, and regulatory obligations are never compromised. Ultimately, you will drive tangible impact by turning complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that support the bank's mission of building stronger futures.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the full lifecycle management of loan accounts, taking ownership from intake through to final resolution.
• Verify initial documentation with precision to ensure the integrity of new loan setups and prevent future administrative friction.
• Design and maintain daily schedules that optimise the processing of payments, ensuring efficiency and accuracy across the book.
• Proactively monitor the portfolio for arrears, implementing strategic interventions that protect both the customer and the bank.
• Coordinate annual reviews with diligence, updating records to maintain a current and accurate financial overview for every facility.
• Constantly monitor loan maturities and extension requests, assessing options and risks to determine the most appropriate path forward.
• Perform covenant testing on a regular basis to confirm compliance with all lending terms and safeguard the bank's interests.
• Prioritise data accuracy in every task, ensuring that internal compliance reports are reliable and fit for purpose.
• Communicate account status with clarity and empathy, keeping customers fully informed and managing expectations effectively.
• Update internal records in real time to ensure that reports always reflect the current financial position and support sound decision-making.
• Provide comprehensive support across portfolio management workflows, closing the loop from intake through to the final resolution of each case.
• Partner with internal teams to resolve complex cases, leveraging collaboration to remove obstacles and improve service standards.
• Act as the main link between customers and internal departments, facilitating a smooth and efficient banking experience for all parties.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational workflows, using feedback and data to drive incremental improvements in daily processes.
• Maintain strict adherence to regulatory obligations, ensuring that every action taken aligns with the bank's values and compliance framework.
• Contribute to a culture of resilience and innovation by sharing insights and best practices with colleagues in the Portfolio Management team.

Requirements

• Hold three years of experience in financial services or a closely related sector, demonstrating a solid track record in the field.
• Show a solid understanding of portfolio management concepts, including the fundamentals of loan administration and lifecycle management.
• Possess mandatory knowledge of compliance procedures, with an awareness of how these apply within a banking context.
• Exhibit effective communication skills, enabling clear and professional interactions with both customers and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proficiency with banking systems, specifically in data entry and reporting, to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Confirm the right to work in the United Kingdom without any restrictions, providing the necessary documentation as part of the application process.
• Operate with a high level of professionalism and reliability, ensuring that deadlines are met and responsibilities are fulfilled consistently.
• Maintain strict adherence to internal policies, established procedures, and regulatory obligations in every aspect of the role.
• Apply a proactive mindset to problem-solving, taking initiative where appropriate to resolve issues before they escalate.
• Uphold the values of integrity and excellence, aligning personal performance with the strategic goals of Recognise Bank.
• Thrive in a detail-oriented environment, where accuracy and diligence are essential for the successful management of the loan portfolio.
• Commit to continuous learning, staying informed about updates in regulations and best practices in portfolio administration.
• Collaborate effectively within a diverse team, contributing to a supportive and people-first working culture.

Nice to have

The source material does not specify any preferred qualifications, skills, tools, or experience beyond the mandatory requirements; therefore, no additional Nice to Have items are listed.

Practical notes

The role is based in Milton Keynes and is offered as a full-time engagement. The annual compensation package is fixed at £27,000. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the requirements section to be considered for the position.