+44 (0)203 771 9508 | info@johnsonassociates.uk.com

Head of Loans Agency

Term: 
  • Permanent
Location: 
  • Canary Wharf
  • London
  • United Kingdom
Environment: 
  • Hybrid
Salary: £120,000 - £140,000 (base)

A unique leadership opportunity has arisen for a Head of Loans Agency to oversee the execution of the Agent role for EMEA lending activities within a high-performing, globally recognised financial institution. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of a best-in-class client experience across a complex portfolio of syndicated and structured lending transactions.

You will lead, develop, and inspire a high-calibre Loans Agency team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making. As a member of the Senior Loan Operations Management team, you will work closely with front office, risk, and COO functions to drive safe growth, operational resilience, and strategic initiatives.

This is a role for a seasoned leader with a proven track record in wholesale banking loan operations, a deep understanding of the lending value chain, and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

  • Client & Stakeholder Experience: Ensure the team delivers a seamless, end-to-end client experience, using data and NPS insights to drive continuous improvement.
  • Operational Excellence: Lead with an improvement mindset, optimising processes, controls, and execution capabilities in collaboration with global process leads.
  • People & Talent Development: Create a supportive, high-performance culture, empowering the team to grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional results.
  • Capacity & Risk Management: Proactively manage workload, capacity, and risk, ensuring transparency with stakeholders and adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Act as a Risk Champion, ensuring full compliance with policies, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
  • Market Intelligence & Data Leadership: Stay ahead of market developments, leveraging data to steer the team and enhance the digital journey.
  • Change & Strategic Leadership: Drive change initiatives, shaping vision, building alignment, and mobilising commitment to achieve strategic goals.
  • Corporate Representation: Represent the institution in external forums, contributing to industry discussions and internal leadership initiatives.

What We Look For

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies:

  • Inspirational Leadership: Approachable, empowering, and accountable, with the ability to adapt to diverse teams and cultures.
  • Strategic Mindset: Ability to balance long-term opportunities with day-to-day execution, simplifying complexity and driving operational excellence.
  • Stakeholder Management: Skilled in balancing multiple interests, building trust, and fostering collaboration across global teams.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Committed to using data to inform strategy, improve processes, and enhance client outcomes.

Technical & Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 8 years’ experience in Wholesale Banking Operations, with a focus on Loans Agency or Lending Operations.
  • Deep knowledge of the end-to-end lending value chain, including syndicated loans, structured finance, and operational resilience.
  • Proven experience in executing as an Agent, managing high-performing teams, and steering output through data.
  • Excellent English communication skills, with the ability to connect, influence, and inspire at all levels.

Why This Role?

This is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic leader to shape the future of Loan Agency Operations in EMEA. You will have the chance to:

  • Lead a high-impact team in a globally recognised institution.
  • Drive innovation, digital transformation, and operational resilience.
  • Influence strategic decisions and contribute to market-leading initiatives.
  • Work in a collaborative, inclusive environment that values excellence, integrity, and continuous growth.