Interim Head of Credit Risk

JR United Kingdom; Chester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic and innovative financial institution is seeking an Interim Head of Credit Risk to bolster its risk management practices. The role is pivotal in ensuring effective credit risk frameworks across operations and mentoring a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have a strong credit risk background, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to enhancing operational processes within a customer-focused organization.

Qualifications

• Strong background in managing credit risk throughout the credit lifecycle.
• Experience with both judgmental and portfolio approaches to credit risk.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to credit risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the second line Credit Risk Function.
• Ensure adherence to Credit Risk Management framework and compliance policies.
• Develop and report against credit risk metrics related to risk appetite.

Skills

Risk Management

Credit Risk Analysis

Leadership

Education

Degree in Finance or Related Field

Tools

Risk Management Frameworks

Job description

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We are a dynamic and growing financial institution, building our operations from the ground up with a focus on innovation and customer-centricity. Our mission is to unlock opportunities by developing new, bespoke savings and mortgage products powered by cutting-edge technology. We believe in creating a better banking experience and are looking for progressive, innovative problem-solvers who can deliver exceptional value and build strong relationships. If you're ready to contribute to a forward-thinking environment and empower individuals to achieve their financial ambitions, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

As the Interim Head of Credit Risk, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding our financial health and ensuring robust risk management practices. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the second line Credit Risk Function to optimize and embed the Credit Risk Management Framework.
• Promoting and ensuring adherence to the organization's Credit Risk Management framework, relevant risk and compliance policies, and procedures, with timely escalation of concerns.
• Providing subject matter expert advice to support the maintenance of credit risk management practices in line with regulatory standards.
• Collaborating with first-line operational areas involved in credit risk management to foster high standards of practice and efficient processes.
• Leading, managing, developing, and coaching a small team of risk professionals to oversee the delivery of credit risk expertise.
• Leading assurance activity on lending portfolios and the implementation of credit policy, processes, and guidance.
• Developing and reporting against a suite of credit risk metrics covering risk appetite, key risk indicators, and key performance indicators.
• Ensuring that credit risk policies support the organization's risk appetite and business strategy.
• Developing and maintaining effective approaches for credit risk measurement appropriate for each asset class.
• Identifying emerging credit risks through regular reporting and analysis of credit risk performance data, alongside external horizon scanning.
• Contributing to the ICAAP process through review, challenge, and direct inputs.
• Developing and maintaining policy for credit risk impairment and provisions, and overseeing the monthly impairment calculation.
• Taking an active part in credit underwriting through exercising and delegating approval authorities.
• Actively participating in the organization's Credit Committee and other executive/board-level committees as required, providing insights on the credit risk profile.
• Supporting the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in delivering the overall risk strategy.
• Championing an effective positive risk culture through communication and collaboration.

Key Tasks

• Development and maintenance of risk appetite, KRI, and KPI frameworks.
• Development, review, and maintenance of credit risk policies.
• Regular credit assurance activity on the credit risk profile and practices.
• Regular reporting, monitoring, and analysis of credit risk performance against established metrics.
• Active participation in credit underwriting and oversight of related areas.
• Leading a small team, ensuring clear direction and deliverables aligned with business objectives.
• Promotion of a positive risk culture across the organization.

Experience

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in credit risk, including:

• Demonstrable practical experience managing credit risk throughout the credit lifecycle.
• Experience with both expert and judgmental lending approaches, as well as portfolio/modelled approaches to credit risk management.
• Proven experience developing, implementing, and embedding all aspects of risk management frameworks, with a collaborative approach.
• Experience in developing and integrating enhanced management information capabilities within oversight and decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with the regulatory environment relating to credit risk and a sound understanding of current financial services market trends and upcoming regulatory changes.
• Prior experience leading business-as-usual continuous improvements.
• Experience presenting to Board/Non-executive directors or regulators.
• Proven ability to promote a positive risk culture within a business, function, and team.

Qualifications & Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong track record in risk management leadership roles.
• A robust technical credit risk background in relevant lending segments, with an emphasis on secured lending.
• The ability to actively build collaborative relationships to achieve joint goals and business value.
• Adaptability to change and strong problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• A business-oriented mindset with a customer focus.
• A long-term strategic approach.
• The courage to make decisive decisions.
• An innovative and proactive demeanor.
• A commitment to personal development.
• High ethical and moral standards.
• A desire to contribute to the development of operations and colleagues.