Head of Underwriting

TieTalent; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to gain equity in the future

Supportive and entrepreneurial environment

Job summary

A finance provider based in London is seeking an experienced Head of Underwriting to lead their underwriting division. The role involves assessing complex loan applications, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with lending policies. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in bridging and development finance underwriting, alongside excellent communication and leadership skills. This role offers the chance to shape business strategy in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a senior or leadership role.
• Understanding of conveyancing law and financial statements.
• Comfortable in a boutique or SME environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of underwriters.
• Assess complex loan applications.
• Align underwriting strategy with business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with credit risk guidelines.

Skills

Bridging/development finance underwriting

Knowledge of UK property market

Risk management

Communication skills

Decision-making skills

Leadership

Job description

Overview

Our client is a bridging and development finance lender based in London. They are seeking an experienced Head of Underwriting to lead their underwriting division and play a pivotal role in the next stage of the company’s growth. This is a hands-on role with strategic input in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Experience & Requirements

• A breadth of knowledge and experience within bridging / development finance underwriting, with at least 2 years in a senior or leadership role
• Strong knowledge of the UK property market, lending structures, and risk management
• An understanding of conveyancing law & the ability to understand planning & financial statements
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills and the ability to plan and set appropriate performance measurements
• A proactive leader with the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities
• Comfortable working in a boutique or SME environment with a hands-on approach
• Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters, ensuring high performance and adherence to lending policies
• Assess complex bridging and development loan applications
• Maintain and improve underwriting processes and procedures in line with industry best practices
• Act as the final sign-off for high-value or complex deals
• Work closely with senior leadership team to align underwriting strategy with business objectives
• Ensure all loans are underwritten in compliance with regulatory and internal credit risk guidelines
• Liaise with key stakeholders including brokers, valuers, solicitors, and internal teams
• Oversee credit paper preparation and present at credit committees when necessary
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform underwriting and risk strategies

Why Join?

• Opportunity to shape and lead the credit function of a growing lender
• Work directly with senior leadership team and influence business strategy
• A supportive and entrepreneurial working environment
• A unique opportunity to work towards a senior leadership position gaining equity in the future.

Seniorities & Employment Details

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Finance and Sales
• Industries: Technology, Information and Internet