Area Director – Healthcare (North England)

About the role

We are seeking an Area Director to lead and grow our SME Healthcare business across the North of England. The role combines commercial accountability, client outcome responsibility and people leadership for a portfolio that includes GP practices, dental groups, care providers, pharmacies and other healthcare operators.

Key responsibilities

• Define and deliver the regional SME Healthcare strategy aligned with national priorities.
• Drive commercial performance across lending, deposits and fee income.
• Lead and develop Relationship Directors, Managers and specialist teams across the region.
• Act as senior sponsor for key healthcare clients and strategic relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with intermediaries, brokers and professional advisors.
• Provide credit oversight and decision‑making for complex lending within delegated authority.
• Ensure strong risk management, portfolio quality, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Credit, Risk, Product and Coverage teams to deliver client and business outcomes.

Required profile

• Senior leadership experience in SME or commercial banking.
• Proven ability to lead Relationship Directors or Managers.
• Strong credit risk expertise, including complex lending.
• Track record of delivering commercial growth in lending and fee income.
• Experience managing client portfolios in a regulated environment.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong partner management with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of UK healthcare markets (primary care, social care, pharmacy, dental or care groups) is a plus.
• Experience working with intermediaries and professional advisors is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape finance for good within a transforming group.
• Investment in technology, modern workplaces and employee development.
• Competitive remuneration package.