Lead Credit Risk Analyst

Admiral Group Plc; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Free shares up to £3,600/year after 1年

Great Place to Work recognition

Progression opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Admiral Money in Cardiff is seeking a Lead Credit Risk Analyst to drive risk pricing strategies and deliver portfolio insights. You will lead analytical workstreams, own model development (PD, fraud, death risk), and ensure governance standards while collaborating with Risk, Finance and product teams.

This hybrid role requires strong Python and SQL skills, experience with lending products (Motor Finance or unsecured lending), and the ability to mentor analysts.

Qualifications

• Experience building and validating risk models (PD, credit, fraud) using stats and ML.
• Strong Python and SQL for data extraction and modeling.
• Ability to explain analytical results to senior stakeholders.
• Experience in lending products, esp. Motor Finance or secured/unsecured lending.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and validation of risk models and monitor performance.
• Analyse portfolio performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Set analytical standards and governance for risk pricing team.
• Advise on pricing, ROI, and portfolio interventions.
• Mentor analysts and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

SQL

Risk modeling

Portfolio analysis

Stakeholder management

Tools

Power BI

Git

Nexus

Kairos

Job description

We are looking for a Lead Credit Risk Analyst to join our Credit & Pricing Function. As a Lead Analyst in Risk Pricing, you will drive the development and delivery of robust risk pricing strategies and actionable portfolio insights. You will independently lead analytical workstreams, take accountability for the accuracy and performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death risk), and ensure portfolio performance is optimised against risk appetite. You will set standards for analytical excellence, influence strategic decision-making across the business, and mentor your team to deliver consistently strong results. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be in our Cardiff Office at least once a month.

What You Will Be Doing

• Own the development, validation, and ongoing performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death) using advanced statistical and ML techniques; ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and meet regulatory/governance standards
• Independently analyse portfolio performance and take accountability for identifying root causes of deviation from expected outcomes; communicate insights and drive corrective action
• Set analytical standards and best practices for the risk pricing team; enforce rigorous data quality, methodology, and documentation disciplines
• Make key decisions on model enhancements and simulation tool improvements (Nexus, Kairos); balance technical rigour with business ROI
• Drive cross-functional initiatives to strengthen risk pricing strategies, portfolio monitoring, and strategic pricing for new product/channel opportunities
• Influence and advise Line 2 risk, Finance, and SMT on financial risk management, loss performance, and risk appetite alignment
• Develop and coach analysts on advanced modelling techniques, problem-solving approaches, and career progression; hold team accountable to high analytical standards
• Establish and maintain relationships with external data providers and monitor external data quality and relevance Own the development, validation, and ongoing performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death) using advanced statistical and ML techniques; ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and meet regulatory/governance standards
• Risk models covering all material sources of loss (PD, fraud, death risk) with robust validation, backtesting, and audit trails
• Comprehensive model documentation meeting internal governance and external regulatory requirements
• Monthly portfolio performance analysing actual vs expected outcomes for all loss sources by risk segment, product, channel, and vintage; identifying strategic insights and business implications Recommendations and business cases for model enhancements, pricing adjustments, or portfolio interventions; track implementation and measure impact, Admiral Money is seeking a Lead Credit Risk Analyst to play a key role in managing and evolving the credit strategy of our Motor Finance portfolio. This is a broad, high-impact role in which you wiData Science experience with a strong track record of developing, validating and monitoring predictive models.

Requirements

• Python development experience with the ability to build, maintain and enhance analytical/model development solutions.
• Expert-level SQL experience including extracting, transforming and analysing large, complex datasets.
• Experience within lending products, specifically: Motor Finance, Homeowner Loans (Secured Lending) or Unsecured Personal Loans (UPL)
• Strong experience developing and maintaining risk models (PD, fraud, credit risk or related models) using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Ability to analyse portfolio performance, identify root causes of trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve commercial and risk outcomes.
• Experience communicating analytical findings and influencing stakeholders across Risk, Finance and senior leadership teams.

Desirable

• Experience with Power BI and creating management information/reporting dashboards.
• Experience using Git for version control and collaborative development.
• Experience with simulation tools and pricing platforms (e.g. Nexus, Kairos or similar).
• Previous experience mentoring or coaching analysts and supporting team development.
• Knowledge of external data sources such as credit reference agencies and third-party risk data providers.
• Experience operating within regulated financial services environments with strong governance and model documentation standards.

Company Overview

Admiral Money is an exciting and growing division within Admiral Group. We combine the pace and ambition of a growing lender with the backing and stability of a FTSE-listed business. Since launching unsecured personal loans in 2017, we have continued to grow and diversify, with Motor Finance and Mortgages added more recently.

We are looking for people who are keen to learn, excited to get stuck in and ready to help us build something special for our customers.

People & Culture

We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive business. It's a place where you can Be You, and show up as you are. We're committed to fostering a people-first culture where everyone is accepted, supported, and empowered to be brilliant. You can, Grow And Progress at a pace and direction that suits you, Make A Difference for our customers and each other, and Share in Our Future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.

Benefits & Perks

• Everyone receives 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) when they join us, increasing the longer you stay with us, up to a maximum of 38 days (including bank holidays).
• You also have the option to buy or sell up to an additional five days of annual leave.
• Share in Our Future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.
• We are proud of our people-first culture. In fact, we've been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women, a Great Place to Work for Wellbeing, and an overall Great Place to Work for over 25 years!
• We're fully committed to making sure your progression is not slowed or halted by barriers related to race, gender, age, sexuality or any of the protected characteristics.
• Our fantastic benefits make sure our colleagues have a great work-life balance.
• You can view some of our other key benefits here.