Country Manager

About the Role

A new fintech company specializing in SME loans is preparing to enter the Australian market. They are seeking a Country Manager / Managing Director to lead the launch, form the initial team, and establish a robust presence in the SME lending industry. This company offers rapid and adaptable working capital solutions tailored for Australian SMEs and benefits from an experienced international leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the market entry strategy for Australia including product development, pricing, distribution channels, and go-to-market activities.
• Spot market gaps and develop innovative differentiation strategies in a competitive lending environment.
• Utilize your industry knowledge to accelerate business growth.
• Recruit and mentor the foundational team members in sales, credit, operations, and collections.
• Establish a results-oriented, agile culture emphasizing speed and exceptional service.
• Provide day-to-day leadership operations while creating scalable processes for expansion.
• Coordinate effectively between Australian operations and the global leadership team.

Required Skills and Experience

• Extensive senior leadership experience within SME business lending, preferably in a startup setting.
• Deep understanding of Australian SME broker channels, credit policies, and lending frameworks.
• Proven expertise in launching, scaling, or transforming fintech or lending businesses.
• Strong commercial insight with experience managing profit & loss responsibilities and portfolio outcomes.
• Able to work independently in a startup environment while collaborating with international teams.

Personal Qualities

• Clear and honest communicator with confidence in stakeholder engagement.
• Pragmatic and ready to take hands-on approaches in early-stage business environments.
• Ambitious, dynamic, and credible leader with entrepreneurial mindset.
• Good judgement, resilience, and a track record in developing and growing teams.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary package.
• Bonus linked to performance outcomes.
• Opportunity for equity participation in the company.

Additional Information

The company operates with discretion due to the confidential nature of the market entry. Only senior-level candidates will be engaged with, and all communications will be treated confidentially. If your experience matches this opportunity, you are encouraged to apply or initiate a private conversation to explore further.