Underwriter

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

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Asset Finance Underwriter to join a growing non-bank lender in Manchester. The role involves assessing and structuring asset-backed finance applications while ensuring compliance with credit policies. Candidates should have experience in underwriting, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. This opportunity offers the chance to influence credit decisions and support business growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in underwriting or credit assessment - ideally in asset finance or secured lending.
• Strong analytical skills to assess credit risk and asset security.
• Experience reviewing or valuing assets like machinery or vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of asset-finance applications.
• Assess credit applications and analyse creditworthiness of SMEs.
• Liaise with brokers and stakeholders to progress deals.
• Liaise with brokers and internal teams to progress deals.
• Ensure compliance with regulation and internal policy.

Skills

Underwriting experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented mindset

Job description

Overview

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.

What You’ll Do

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.

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