Buckden Partners
Head of Credit Risk, Real Estate - Non-Bank Lender
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Overview
An established and entrepreneurial real estate non-bank lender is seeking an experienced Head of Credit Risk to lead and develop its credit and portfolio management function. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping credit strategy, governance, underwriting standards, and portfolio performance as the business continues to grow.
You will take ownership of the credit risk and portfolio management functions, overseeing the full lending lifecycle from underwriting through to drawdown, monitoring, repayment, and exit. Working closely with the CEO and senior management team, you will provide independent and commercially focused credit judgment, ensuring that lending decisions are robust, appropriately structured, and aligned with the firm's risk appetite.
The successful candidate will combine strong technical credit expertise with commercial judgment and will be comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial lending environment where pace, pragmatism, and disciplined risk management are equally important.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide independent, expert credit and risk advice to the CEO.
- Set, review, and continuously enhance underwriting standards, credit policies, and risk frameworks.
- Ensure adherence to underwriting, AML, portfolio monitoring, and compliance requirements.
- Lead and chair an efficient, well-governed Credit Committee process.
- Review and approve credit applications, valuations, and key underwriting documentation prior to committee progression.
- Ensure the firm's lending remains within agreed risk appetite and delegated authorities.
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the Credit and Portfolio Management team, with responsibility for performance, development, and output quality.
- Build a rigorous, analytical, and commercially focused credit culture.
- Ensure consistent production of high-quality credit analysis and documentation throughout the loan lifecycle.
- Develop processes and systems capable of supporting increased lending volumes as the business scales.
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Underwriting & Transaction Due Diligence
- Oversee the underwriting and structuring of bridging and property development facilities up to £10m.
- Assess transaction risk, borrower strength, leverage, exit strategy, security, and risk-adjusted returns.
- Structure facilities, including appropriate conditions precedent and subsequent.
- Oversee valuation, legal, technical, and project monitoring due diligence.
- Ensure all material risks are clearly identified, assessed, and presented to the Credit Committee.
- Manage external advisors, ensuring appropriate expertise, cost control, and professional standards.
- Provide experienced credit oversight throughout the lifetime of each facility.
Execution & Drawdown
- Oversee preparation and approval of facility letters, guarantees, and security documentation.
- Ensure accurate tracking and satisfaction of all Conditions Precedent and Subsequent.
- Approve completion statements, drawdowns, and post-completion requirements.
- Ensure appropriate KYC and compliance approvals are obtained prior to completion.
- Maintain appropriate controls throughout the execution and funding process.
Portfolio Management & Workout
- Lead ongoing loan monitoring and dynamic credit grading.
- Maintain and manage watchlists, with regular reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
- Identify emerging risks and ensure appropriate remedial action is taken at an early stage.
- Oversee restructuring and workout situations with a focus on maximising recovery and protecting the firm's interests.
- Develop and maintain appropriate default policies and recovery strategies.
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Exit Management
- Review and approve borrower/project exit strategies.
- Assess repayment proposals, refinance arrangements, and asset sales.
- Approve security discharge and distribution waterfalls.
- Ensure all loan exits are managed in an orderly, commercially focused, and well-governed manner.
What You Will Bring
- 10+ years' credit risk experience within UK real estate lending, such as a challenger bank, non-bank lender, debt fund, or similar institution.
- Strong and demonstrable experience in bridging and development finance.
- Proven experience assessing and structuring property-backed loans.
- Deep understanding of UK property and development risk.
- Strong structuring capability, with the ability to assess complex transactions, downside scenarios, exit strategies, and risk-adjusted returns.
- Advanced financial modelling skills, including IRR analysis and complex Excel modelling.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing credit teams.
- Strong commercial judgment and the confidence to challenge and influence at CEO and Board level.
- Exceptional attention to detail, analytical rigour, and a methodical approach.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Degree qualified; financial, accounting, or relevant professional qualifications would be advantageous.
Salary: Dependent on experience
Location: London
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