Credit Underwriter

Department: Credit

Salary: £50,000–£60,000 depending on experience

Bonus: Uncapped bonus, typically 5–15% of salary

Job Overview

Our client is a fast-growing hybrid broker-lender with ambitious plans to significantly expand its own-book lending portfolio over the coming years.

As part of this growth, they are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Credit Underwriter to join their expanding Credit function.

Working closely with the Head of Credit, the successful candidate will be responsible for assessing and underwriting SME funding applications across Asset Finance and Commercial Loans, operating within an agreed delegated authority framework.

The role will initially have a particular focus on small-ticket transactions, while also providing exposure to larger and more complex funding requirements through collaborative underwriting with the Head of Credit.

This is not simply a transactional underwriting position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the Credit function, including credit policy, deal structuring, approval processes, portfolio management and the ongoing improvement of systems and procedures.

The Underwriter will work closely with Account Managers, Sales Support and other functions across the business, balancing robust credit risk management with the commercial approach and high levels of customer service required within a growing lending business.

Importantly, our client is looking for someone who wants to grow with the business. There is genuine scope for the successful individual to progress into a Senior Underwriter position and beyond as the lending operation continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite individual transactions and credit facilities within the agreed business appetite, Credit Policy and delegated approval authority framework.
• Review and analyse credit applications, producing clear and commercially considered recommendations and lending decisions.
• Assess SME and corporate customer cash flows, financial statements, trading performance and overall ability to service proposed borrowing.
• Support the Head of Credit with the initial review and write-up of larger or more complex funding requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Credit on transactions falling outside individual delegated authority.
• Ensure all lending decisions comply with agreed approval authorities, Credit Policy and internal controls.
• Maintain an appropriate balance between commercial decision-making and effective risk management.
• Take ownership and responsibility for the quality and performance of an allocated portion of the lending portfolio, with the support and guidance of the Head of Credit.
• Assist with the development, implementation and ongoing evolution of Credit Policy across Asset Finance and Commercial Loans.
• Work closely with Account Managers and Sales Support to structure transactions appropriately and progress viable opportunities efficiently.
• Support and champion a pragmatic, responsive and commercially minded approach within the Credit team without compromising credit quality.
• Develop strong working relationships across Sales, Operations and other functions within the business.
• Support the timely production of management information for the Head of Credit and contribute to reporting used within the monthly Board Report.
• Help improve the quality of credit management information to enable stronger portfolio oversight and better-informed decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to enhance internal credit processes and procedures, combining appropriate controls with greater automation and fewer unnecessary manual tasks.
• Undertake annual reviews of existing lending accounts to assess financial standing, performance and any deterioration in credit quality.
• Support the continued development of a scalable Credit function capable of supporting significant growth in the client's own-book lending portfolio.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required by the Head of Credit or Board Directors.