Head of Credit - Short Term Loans
£75,000 - £95,000 + Bonus + Benefits + Share Option Scheme
Central London

Who They Are
They are a growing, specialist challenger bank who provide savings products to UK based customers and short and long term mortgages to individual borrowers secured on residential and investment property. They carry out all of the decision making, administration and supporting activities in-house whilst using third parties to provide mortgage valuations and legal services on its behalf. They have a highly motivated, workforce who enjoy excellent working relationships with customers and colleagues. Their employees work within a highly collegiate, enjoyable, hardworking, delivery focused environment.

The Role
Reporting to the Chief Lending Officer, the Head of Credit is the main point of contact for any queries or complex issues relating to new applications or existing loans, and is the key point of contact for Sales' initial loan enquiries. You will plan and lead the delivery and conversion of good quality loans in line with the risk appetite and support the assessment of new lending opportunities. You will possess a delegated lending mandate and in conjunction with the Credit Committee. However, you may underwrite larger loan applications which may be viewed as more sensitive to the company's risk profile, accurately assessing the risk attributed to the application and ensuring that the loan is both suitable and fit for the applicant's purpose, and ensuring continued safe and responsible lending. It will be essential to remain up to date with current best practice and regulatory requirements. You will pay a key role in the growth and profitability of the bridging and development book as well as ensuring level of bad debts incurred is minimised due to underwriting procedures and decisions. The responsibilities also include the following:

  • Sitting on the Credit Committee
  • Sign off all further advances within agreed mandate
  • Sanction new Business Development Manager's enquiries which are within delegated lending powers ensuring a fast turnaround time
  • Liaise with other Credit Committee members to jointly agree new loan applications
  • Liaise with other departments to ensure a smooth flow of management information
  • Attend weekly collections meetings and assist in overall control of the same
  • Dealing with credit decisions regarding loans needing specialist attention
  • Working through loans under forbearance and repossession
  • Maintain working knowledge of FCA and the other Codes of Conduct, and ensure that all regulatory and legal requirements are adhered to
  • Ongoing discussion with directorate re business requirements and objective advice on where underwriting changes might make a positive difference
  • Assist in the introduction of new lending related products
  • Represent the company externally, meeting brokers and assisting in broker relationship management
  • Assist with and run special projects that may be appointed

Who They Are looking For
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum 10 years' specialist commercial & residential property lending experience (preferably in bridging/development) with extensive knowledge of lending in complex scenarios, including holding a lending mandate;
  • Have a significant understanding of charged security;
  • Be fully FCA compliant and an understanding of regulatory environment;
  • Must be used to managing an underwriting team;
  • Strong organisational, leadership and decision making skills as well as excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills;
  • Understanding of complex lending proposals and able to explain complex lending proposal decisions;
  • Excellent analytical, problem solving skills and judgemental skills;
  • Highly self motivated and proactive with strong initiative, flexibility and able to manage change;
  • Able to confidently contribute in terms of suggesting amendments to process or policy;
  • Good standard of education