Bridging & Development Finance Underwriter

Dobson Welch Recruitment Specialists; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable property finance lender in Central London is seeking an experienced Underwriter to manage development finance and bridging loan applications. In this pivotal role, you’ll conduct thorough due diligence, make informed lending decisions, and enhance underwriting processes with your insights. The position offers a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and flexible working arrangements, promoting both professional growth and work-life balance. Join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering impactful lending solutions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Opportunities for professional growth

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in underwriting development finance or bridging loans.
• Exceptional numeracy and analytical skills.
• Communication skills to liaise effectively with brokers and borrowers.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Attention to detail in underwriting processes.
• In-depth knowledge of construction timelines and cost structures.
• Experience presenting cases to credit or risk committees.
• Track record of implementing improvements in underwriting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough credit checks and financial analysis.
• Analyse appraisals and evaluate project viability.
• Prepare and present detailed recommendations to committees.
• Collaborate with brokers and internal teams for smooth progression.
• Identify potential risks and propose mitigations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Contribute to refining underwriting processes.

Skills

Underwriting development finance or bridging loans

Numeracy and analytical skills

Effective communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Property development knowledge

Presentation skills

Process improvement

Job description

Underwriter – Property Finance (Development Finance / Bridging) – London

Do you excel at navigating the complexities of property finance? Are you passionate about balancing risk and opportunity to deliver tailored lending solutions? If you’re an experienced underwriter ready to take on a pivotal role in a growing, dynamic environment, this opportunity offers the perfect platform to showcase your expertise and shape impactful lending decisions.

About our client

Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking property finance lender, specialising in development finance and bridging loans. They’ve built a reputation for delivering bespoke lending solutions that empower borrowers to achieve their property ambitions. With a collaborative culture and a commitment to modern underwriting practices, they offer a supportive environment where your skills and insights will be valued. As part of a growing team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to innovative lending strategies while advancing your professional development.

The role

As an Underwriter, you’ll be at the heart of the lending process, taking ownership of cases from initial assessment to final decision. You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of development finance and bridging loan applications, conducting in-depth due diligence and presenting your recommendations to senior decision-makers. Collaboration is key; you’ll liaise with brokers, borrowers, valuers, and internal teams to ensure smooth case progression. Beyond the day-to-day, you’ll play a pivotal role in refining underwriting processes and shaping the company’s lending strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Dive deep into due diligence : Conduct thorough credit checks, financial analysis, asset evaluations, and project viability assessments to ensure every decision is well-informed.
• Review the details that matter : Analyse appraisals, cost schedules, planning permissions, and borrower experience to build a complete picture of each case.
• Present with confidence : Prepare detailed recommendations and present cases to credit committees or senior stakeholders, showcasing your expertise and insights.
• Collaborate for success : Work closely with brokers, borrowers, valuers, and internal teams to progress applications efficiently and effectively.
• Stay ahead of risks : Identify potential risks early in the process and propose practical, effective mitigations to safeguard lending decisions.
• Align with excellence : Ensure all underwriting decisions meet company policy, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest standards.
• Drive improvement : Contribute to the ongoing refinement of underwriting processes and lending criteria, helping the team stay ahead in a competitive market.

What you’ll bring

• Proven expertise : A strong track record in underwriting development finance or bridging loans, with the ability to handle complex cases.
• Analytical brilliance : Exceptional numeracy and analytical skills, enabling you to interpret financials, appraisals, and project data with ease.
• Communication confidence : The ability to liaise effectively with brokers, borrowers, and professional partners, building trust and rapport.
• Organisational mastery : A talent for managing multiple cases simultaneously, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
• Attention to detail : A meticulous approach to underwriting, with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset that drives results.
• Property development expertise : In-depth knowledge of construction timelines, cost structures, and project management.
• Presentation skills : Experience presenting cases to credit or risk committees, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly.
• Process innovation : A track record of identifying and implementing improvements in underwriting processes and criteria.

Package & perks

• Competitive rewards : A salary that reflects your expertise, plus a performance-related bonus to recognise your contributions.
• Professional growth : Opportunities for ongoing development and career progression within a supportive environment.
• Flexible working : Hybrid options that allow you to balance office and remote work, with a Central London base.
• Collaborative culture : Join a team that values your input and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace.

Location & ways of working

This is a permanent role which is office based 5 days per week, working hours are 9.00am to 6.00pm.