Job context:
DSL Business Finance is Scotland’s leading not-for-profit lender, providing vital loan finance to SMEs. Over the past five years, we have helped delivered over £30 million in loans to about 1,400 businesses, creating and sustaining 3,000 jobs across Scotland.
We provide and manage a range of loan funds, including microfinance loans of up to £25,000 and smaller loans between £25,000 and £100,000 to support start-up, early-stage, and growing businesses across Scotland, offering financial support at key stages of their development. Delivering these loans successfully requires a good understanding of loan products, risk management, and the needs of businesses at different stages of growth.
Our objectives are to create opportunities for enterprise, grow existing businesses, create job, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of local communities across Scotland.
As a responsible lender authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), DSL is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, transparency, and integrity in financial services. All roles will involve operating in line with FCA regulatory requirements, including but not limited to Treating Customers Fairly (TCF), data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), and financial crime prevention.
Job purpose:
The Loan Officer is responsible for engaging with applicants to the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS), supporting them through the application process and preparing robust lending proposals for underwriting in line with IFS eligibility requirements and DSL lending criteria. The post holder will manage an active pipeline, develop relationships with business support and referral partners, generate new leads, and promote IFS and DSL services across Scotland.
Key result areas (5-10 statements):
The role will include, but not be limited to, the following: -
Loan Officer Activities
1. General administration and appraisal of client applications for all relevant funds.
2. Dealing with enquiries, undertaking initial eligibility checks
3. Assessing business plans, financial information, cash-flow forecasts, affordability, creditworthiness and key lending risks.
4. Preparing clear, well-evidenced credit proposals for underwriting in line with IFS criteria and DSL policies and procedures.
5. Actively managing work in progress and maintaining good communications with applicants.
6. Liaising with intermediary advisers and partner organisations to assist the efficient processing of loan applications.
Development/Support Activities
1. Supporting clients who wish to make an application with advice and information.
2. Making presentations through partner organisations to potential new clients.
3. Assisting the DSL team to develop new services for clients and be part of implementing these.
4. Working with external advisers to ensure DSL services meet the changing needs of clients and of the organisations that assist those clients.
5. Referring clients to other agencies where further help is required.
6. Actively seeking new opportunities to win and convert loans for new clients.
Corporate Activities
1. Assisting with the organisation of DSL client and partner events.
2. Representing the company at relevant events.
Job requirements (qualifications, skills, and experience - for job, not of specific job holder):
Essential
- Personally organised, diligent with an eye for and attention to detail.
- Excellent communicator both verbal and written.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to take initiative as circumstances require.
- Desire to learn and gain new skills.
- Business Plan assessment skills
- Minimum 2 years lending experience to SMEs
Desirable
- Financial qualification/experience
- 3 years’ general business experience
- Car owner/clean licence
- Experience of working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
DSL Business Finance is seeking a committed and organised individual to join our team as a Part-Time Loan Officer (21 hours per week), supporting delivery of the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS).
This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of the Investment Fund for Scotland, helping start-ups and growing businesses across the country access the finance they need to start, grow, and succeed.
As a Loan Officer, you will support IFS applicants through the lending journey - from initial enquiry and eligibility through application, assessment and submission to underwriting. The role also involves managing an active pipeline, developing relationships with partner organisations, generating new leads and helping raise awareness of IFS and DSL's finance products across Scotland.
Role Details
Location: Hybrid with flexible working and travel across Scotland as required
Hours: 21 hours per week (part-time)
Salary: £25,500-£32,000 FTE, pro rata for 21 hours per week, depending on experience
Closing Date: Monday, 14 September 2026 at 9:00am
How to Apply
To request a full job description and application form, please email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can download the application pack from: https://dsl-businessfinance.co.uk/work-with-us/
Please submit your completed application form (marked "Loan Officer Application") by email or by post to:
DSL Business Finance Ltd
Suite 9, Lower Ground Floor
70 West Regent Street
Glasgow G2 2QZ
Closing Date for Applications: Monday, 14 September 2026 at 9:00am
Pay: £25,500.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Glasgow G2 2QZ
