Underwriter

Northreach; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Asset Finance Underwriter in Greater Manchester. You will manage a portfolio of applications, review asset proposals, and ensure compliance with credit policies while liaising with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in underwriting, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. Join a growth-focused lender supporting UK SMEs in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in asset finance or similar secured lending.
• Strong ability to assess credit risk and cash flow.
• Familiarity with asset valuation and lease/HP underwriting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of asset-finance applications.
• Review proposals for the purchase or leasing of assets.
• Prepare credit proposals for approval or decline.
• Liaise with brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Underwriting or credit assessment experience

Analytical skills

Stakeholder and communication skills

Detail-oriented mindset

Job description

Northreach is a dynamic recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent in financial services, fintech, and digital sectors. We specialise in providing a seamless recruitment experience for clients and candidates, fostering innovation and professional growth.

The Opportunity

We're working with a growing, non-bank lender that provides asset finance, invoice finance, commercial loans and vehicle finance to UK SMEs. As they expand, they're looking for a skilled Asset Finance Underwriter to join their team and play a pivotal role in assessing, structuring, and approving asset-backed finance applications — enabling businesses to acquire the equipment and assets they need to grow.

What You'll Do

You’ll manage a portfolio of asset‑finance applications, reviewing proposals for the purchase or leasing of “hard” (machinery, equipment) and “soft” (furniture, fixtures) assets — ensuring compliance with credit policy and delivering sound, commercial underwriting decisions. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing credit applications and analysing the financial viability and creditworthiness of SMEs.
• Reviewing asset valuations, lease terms or hire‑purchase agreements, and security documentation.
• Preparing credit proposals / decision papers for approval or decline.
• Managing deal structuring in line with underwriting policy, including risk assessments, covenants, and security.
• Liaising with brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders (sales, credit, legal) to progress deals.
• Ensuring compliance with regulation, internal policy, and record‑keeping standards.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of underwriting frameworks and risk‑management processes.

What You'll Bring

• Experience in underwriting or credit assessment - ideally in asset finance, equipment leasing, hire‑purchase, or similar secured lending.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess credit risk, cash‑flow, and asset security.
• Experience reviewing or valuing assets (machinery, vehicles, equipment) or familiarity with lease/HP underwriting.
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills - able to work with brokers, vendors and internal teams.
• Detail‑oriented mindset, with a strong sense of governance, compliance, and risk.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and make timely, well‑justified credit decisions.

Why Join?

You will be part of a specialist, growth‑focused lender with a diversified product offering, committed to supporting UK SMEs. You'll have the opportunity to influence underwriting standards, support business growth with meaningful credit decisions, and develop your career in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.