Skipton Business Finance is delighted to announce a fantastic leadership opportunity for the position of Portfolio Director – Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending (South). This is a pivotal role that will shape the strategic direction of our Southern region across both IF and ABL, supporting and growing our existing portfolio while helping to support new business to achieve ambitious growth targets.
As Portfolio Director, you will play a key role in influencing and defining the future of our business. We are seeking a leader who brings experience in both Invoice Finance and ABL lending- someone visionary, inspiring, and passionate about driving growth and delivering excellence.
Who Are We?
Skipton Business Finance, part of the Skipton Group, has been helping UK SMEs fulfil their aspirations for over 20 years by providing working capital solutions that support their ambitious growth plans.
With a rich history rooted in reliability and innovation, we leverage our expertise to offer a diverse range of financial products, including Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending. Our commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client enables us as a team to deliver personalised and responsive services, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual success.
At Skipton Business Finance, we strive to be more than just a financial provider. We aim to be a strategic partner, guiding businesses towards sustainable growth and prosperity. Join our team as we navigate the dynamic landscape of business finance together.
What Will You Be Doing?
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for c450 clients and a team of 16 indirect reports. You will:
Lead Southern Operations: Create a collaborative, high-performing culture and deliver service excellence across Invoice Finance and ABL portfolios.
Drive Strategy & Growth: Execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives and support new business origination.
Risk & Compliance: Oversee risk assessment, credit policy adherence, and regulatory compliance (FCA, GDPR).
Underwriting & Credit: Underwrite complex IF and ABL facilities up to £20m, ensuring robust credit decisions. Manage the regional process for Annual Review and Security Reviews for all clients.
Portfolio Oversight: Monitor client performance, manage escalations, and ensure early identification of risk.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Sales, Credit, ExCo, and external partners to deliver seamless client journeys.
Leadership & Development: Inspire and develop your team and support the COO to embed a culture of ownership, accountability, teamwork, and service excellence. Driving consistency across North and South regions, ensuring a one-business approach.
What Do We Need From You?
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
Extensive senior leadership experience in Invoice Finance and Asset-Based Lending.
Proven expertise in underwriting and structuring complex ABL transactions up to £20m, including drafting credit approval papers with financial covenants and borrowing base criteria.
Deep technical knowledge of invoice finance processes, debtor management, collateral valuation, and recovery procedures.
Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, compliance standards, and risk management principles.
Financial acumen to interpret and challenge cash flow forecasts at entity and group level.
Experience with Riskfactor or similar systems, plus awareness of cybersecurity and data protection.
Legal and technical skillset in ABL, including insolvency processes and Management Buy Out/Buy In structures.
British Business Bank scheme experience including but not limited to term loans, IF variant and the ABL variant.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
Commercial mindset and customer focus, combined with resilience and sound judgment under pressure.
What’s In It For You?
Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space.
We have a range of other benefits available to you including:
Competitive discretionary bonus scheme
Car allowance
25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days
Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days
Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
A commitment to training and development
Private medical insurance for all our colleagues
3 paid volunteering days per annum
Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
We care about your health and wellbeing – we provide a range of benefits that support this including cycle to work initiative and discounted gym membership
Next Steps
We know you may be keen to apply ahead of the deadline, and that’s great. However, due to the Christmas period, all applications will be reviewed in January, so please don’t expect an outcome before then. Thank you for your patience.