Commercial Finance Business Development Lead

Department: Clients & Markets - Commercial

Department: Clients & Markets - Commercial

Location: Ipswich

Description

Sumer is a fast-growing, private equity-backed professional services group, bringing together leading regional accountancy firms to create a high-quality, people-focused alternative to traditional networks. With hubs across the UK and Ireland, Sumer combines local expertise with the scale, capability and ambition of a national business - supporting SMEs and mid-market clients with a broad range of advisory and accountancy services.

As we continue to grow, we are investing in new service lines and capabilities that enhance the support we provide to clients and create exciting opportunities for our people.

As a Commercial Finance Business Development Lead, you will play a central role in establishing and growing Sumer's Commercial Finance offering within our hub, Scrutton Bland.

You will identify opportunities across the East Anglia market, build strong relationships with partners and managers across Scrutton Bland, and support clients in securing the funding they need to achieve their ambitions. You will use internal data, market insight and your own network to spot opportunities, raise awareness of the offering, and help position Sumer as a credible and trusted provider of commercial finance solutions.

This is a highly visible role that combines client delivery, business development and internal collaboration, with the opportunity to shape and scale a key service line within a growing group.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Service Delivery

• Work closely with partners and managers across Scrutton Bland to identify and progress commercial finance opportunities.
• Use internal systems and client data to proactively identify businesses that would benefit from funding support.
• Engage directly with clients to understand their requirements and provide clear, practical guidance on suitable funding solutions.
• Deliver internal sessions (e.g. lunch & learns) to raise awareness, share successes and improve opportunity identification across teams.
• Represent Sumer at external events, building relationships and enhancing the profile of the commercial finance offering.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations for both internal and external audiences.

Business Development

• Build, manage and convert a strong pipeline of commercial finance opportunities across the hub.
• Develop new client relationships while strengthening existing ones, contributing to overall client growth.
• Embed commercial finance into broader client conversations, working alongside service line teams.
• Share insights, case studies and market updates to support continued growth of the service line.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Act as a key point of contact for commercial finance across the hub, building trusted relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the service line, using market feedback and performance insight to refine the approach.
• Support and coach colleagues in identifying and introducing commercial finance opportunities within their client base.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and clients.
• Proven experience in commercial finance, banking, or a related advisory role.
• Commercially minded, with a track record of identifying and converting opportunities into revenue.
• Confident presenting to both internal and external audiences.
• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to operate across multiple teams and priorities.
• Strong organisational skills and experience managing a pipeline of activity.

Desirable

• Existing network within the East Anglia SME and professional services market.
• Experience working across multiple business units or service lines.
• Knowledge of a broad range of funding solutions and how to structure them for different client needs.
• Experience contributing to or building a new service line or offering.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone's journey is different. That's why we're committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That's why we're creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.

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