Senior Account Executive (New Zealand)

About the role

First Circle is a Singapore-headquartered SME lender looking for its first business development hire in New Zealand. You will build the client base from scratch, originating Business Credit Lines for NZ SMEs and establishing the referral relationships that will drive growth. You will report to the Country Manager and work closely with the group Risk Operations, Credit and Marketing teams.

Key responsibilities

• Find, qualify and close established NZ businesses needing flexible working capital
• Build a referral network with accountants, business advisors, commercial finance brokers, industry associations and business networks
• Guide clients through application and onboarding, explain the credit process and collect financials, GST returns and bank data
• Work with credit to bring forward qualified applications and help structure facilities
• Act as ongoing relationship manager, supporting drawdowns, annual limit reviews and early conversations if a business struggles
• Share market feedback on sectors, competitor pricing and product adaptation needs
• Help shape the local go-to-market approach, including messaging, events, partner programmes and CRM processes
• Represent First Circle at industry events and build its brand as a new lender in the NZ SME market

Required profile

• 4+ years of B2B business development, including at least 3 years in SME or commercial lending, business banking, asset finance, invoice finance or a closely related financial services role
• A genuine network among NZ SME owners, accountants and brokers, with credibility to open doors from day one
• Track record of originating new business against targets, ideally in a start-up, new-market or growth environment
• Comfort with ambiguity, a self-starting approach and willingness to wear several hats and work across time zones
• High standards of conduct and integrity, with a disciplined use of CRM and data to manage pipeline and forecast
• Full NZ driver's licence and willingness to travel to meet clients and partners

Required skills

• Strong understanding of business credit: reading financial statements, talking about cash flow and serviceability, and spotting good lending opportunities
• CRM discipline to manage pipeline and forecast accurately

What we offer

• Competitive base salary with a generous bonus scheme
• KiwiSaver employer contributions and private health insurance
• Paid time off and laptops
• Flexible working style
• The chance to launch a new market and build the NZ team as the business grows