Branch Manager - Dartford

Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities

• People management, leadership, development, engagement and wellbeing of a team of Account Managers and Account Manager Supports
• Responsibility for all aspects of the Branch operations including the Business Plan Process, business development, credit, operational risk, administration, financial control, culture, recruitment, compliance and regulatory matters including adherence to the Bank’s instructions and training and competence procedures
• Responsibility for adherence to the Bank’s credit policy; maintaining oversight of all lending decisions in the branch, ensuring customers are always treated fairly
• Grow and develop the branch’s profitability in the local market by providing effective business leadership
• Effective deployment of the Handelsbanken business model, products and steering systems including credit, finance and HR policy
• Develop and maintain a sound understanding of the local market, and to maintain relationships with professional firms and introducers
• Act as an ambassador of the Bank; identifying, meeting and winning prospective new customers/introducers and presenting how we work with steering and pricing and what we can offer in terms of service and facilities
• Develop or support the introduction of new and improved methods of working, products, procedures or technologies; driving efficiencies and risk management
• Leading the branch team to ensure the highest levels of customer service and good administrative order are maintained whilst working to achieve the Branch Business Plan goals
• Maintaining oversight of any complaints from branch customers and ensuring they are handled in accordance with internal policies and instructions and that complainants are treated fairly
• Undertake required reviews, assessments, control checks, evaluations and oversight as required under the instructions and maintain good administrative order within the branch
  
  

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…

The ideal candidate will already be demonstrating strong leadership skills and possess the core competencies required of a Branch Manager to be successful in this role. Support and training will be provided, though it is hoped the successful applicants will be largely self-sufficient quickly.

You will have gained a track-record of people leadership and must be able to demonstrate core people management skills, coupled with the ability to coach and develop employees in order to lead a successful and profitable Branch. In addition you will have demonstrated your ability to set clear goals, be organised and plan ahead in a consistent fashion.

You will demonstrate an innovative approach to building the Branch for the future, leading the team to continued success. You will have a positive outlook and an ability to work with diverse stakeholders and drive performance through your team. You will also be required to demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to effectively solve problems, delivering work on your own initiative as required.

Applicants must have a thorough understanding of the Bank’s business model, products and credit policy, as well as the Bank’s culture, values and current core business focuses. An ability to manage a credit portfolio throughout economic cycles would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be results orientated, proactive and fully committed. They will be expected to understand and subsequently minimise operational risks.

The successful applicant will have the ability to build strong professional relationships at all levels and represent Handelsbanken effectively. There will be significant contact with staff, customers and external professionals and effective interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal) are therefore essential.

Branch Managers need to have a sound understanding of the business market, professional community and individual banking markets; a knowledge of this within the patch would be an advantage.

In order to successfully undertake this role, a high level of computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel) is essential. Training will be provided on additional internal IT systems.

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.

What is in it for you?

• We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
• Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)
  
  

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email [email protected] .