Director – Debt Finance (Specialty lending)
OakNorthJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
OakNorth is seeking a Director, Debt Finance (Specialty Lending) to join its London team onsite. This front‑office role originates, structures and executes bespoke debt solutions in complex situations, with end‑to‑end ownership from dialogue to close and ongoing borrower relationships, working with Credit and Portfolio to stay risk‑aligned. You’ll represent OakNorth in the London market, building ties with sponsors and intermediaries. Requirements: 10+ years in debt finance or private credit, an autonomous origination track record in complex deals, strong structuring and credit judgement, and broad ecosystem connections; backgrounds in specialty finance, asset backed lending or real assets are attractive. To apply, tailor your CV to show measurable deal outcomes, emphasize end‑to‑end ownership and cross‑functional collaboration, and demonstrate alignment with OakNorth’s pragmatic approach and equity incentives.
About OakNorth OakNorth is the bank for the UK’s most ambitious businesses. Since 2015, we’ve lent over $21bn across the UK and US, helping businesses grow, create jobs and build for the future — while delivering strong outcomes for our customers and savers. We specialise in backing businesses that don’t fit neatly into traditional banking models, combining expert human judgement with technology to deliver bespoke lending solutions.
The Role We’re looking for a Director, Speciality Finance to join our Debt Finance team in London. This is a front-office origination role for someone who thrives in complexity. You’ll originate, structure and execute bespoke debt solutions across specialist and non-standard situations — where creativity, commercial judgement and strong credit thinking really matter. You’ll own deals end-to-end and build long-term relationships with borrowers, sponsors and intermediaries, working closely with Credit and Portfolio teams to deliver high-quality, risk-aligned growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Originate speciality finance lending opportunities through sponsors, advisers, intermediaries and direct relationships
- Structure and execute complex, bespoke debt transactions from initial discussion through to completion
- Partner with Credit and Portfolio teams to shape transactions aligned to OakNorth’s risk appetite
- Own borrower relationships post-close, identifying follow-on, expansion or refinancing opportunities
- Manage amendments, waivers or restructures with judgement and commercial pragmatism
- Act as a senior ambassador for OakNorth in the London lending market
What We’re Looking For
- 10+ years’ experience in debt finance, private credit or speciality lending
- A strong origination track record in complex or non-standard transactions
- Proven structuring capability and sound credit judgement
- Comfortable operating with autonomy in a fast-paced environment
- Well-connected across the lending ecosystem
- Backgrounds in speciality finance, asset-backed lending, real assets, private credit or challenger banking are particularly attractive.
Benefits and Perks
- Equity. We want people to have a stake in the business so that all our interests are aligned.
- 25 days holiday
- Personalized benefits – opt-in to what matters to you
- Subsidised Private Medical Insurance with Bupa
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Wellbeing and social events
- In-house Barista Bar in London office
- Support causes that matter to you – Volunteering time off
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to work, nursery, gym, electric car scheme)