Underwriter

Saffron Building Society; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Annual leave

Performance bonus

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Flexible working culture

Job summary

Saffron Building Society is seeking an experienced Underwriter to join our underwriting team in the United Kingdom. You will assess mortgage applications, determine creditworthiness and support our members through life’s moments.

In this role you will work with lending teams, brokers and processing to deliver timely decisions while maintaining regulatory standards. Previous mortgage underwriting experience and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in mortgage underwriting.
• Experience with complex lending (HNW, BTL, HMO, expat, self-build).
• Strong analytical skills to assess financial information.
• Excellent communication with brokers and customers.
• Proficient in underwriting software and MS Office.
• Ability to make quick decisions in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Assess mortgage applications and documentation for creditworthiness.
• Make timely lending decisions in line with policies.
• Collaborate with processing, BD, and mortgage intermediaries.
• Maintain accurate records of underwriting decisions.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.

Skills

Mortgage underwriting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer focus

Regulated environment

Decision making

Pipeline management

Education

CeMAP

Finance qualification

Tools

Underwriting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ready to use your underwriting expertise to make a real difference? Join Saffron Building Society and help shape responsible lending decisions that support our members through life’s biggest moments. As a mutual with strong community roots, we combine a personal approach with forward-thinking solutions—and we’re looking for an experienced Underwriter to become part of our collaborative team.

Role Overview

As an Underwriter, you will play a crucial role within our experienced Underwriting Team in assessing and evaluating mortgage applications, ensuring that we maintain our high standards of lending while supporting our members’ needs. You will work closely with our lending teams to make informed decisions based on risk assessment and financial analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess mortgage applications and supporting documentation to determine creditworthiness and risk.
• Make timely, informed lending decisions under time constraints in line with Saffron Building Society’s policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the processing team, business development, other internal key stakeholders and directly with mortgage intermediaries to provide exceptional service to our members.
• Maintain accurate records of underwriting decisions, with high attention to detail and communicate outcomes effectively.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in underwriting.

Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience in mortgage underwriting preferably with a minimum of 2 years experience within the mortgage underwriting environment.
• Must have complex lending experience, including knowledge of high net worth, self-employed, Buy to Let, HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), Self Build, Expat mortgages, development finance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess financial information and risk.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a customer-focused approach.
• Confident face to face and telephone communication directly with Brokers and customers is essential.
• Proficiency in using underwriting software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to make quick and accurate decisions whilst working within a regulated environment
• Effectively owning and managing an active pipeline of mortgage applications.
• A relevant qualification in finance (Ce-Map), business, or a related field is desirable.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions and annual leave.
• The chance to make a positive impact in the community through our mutual ethos.

Saffron Building Society is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our members!

• 33days holiday including bank holidays
• Holiday Exchange Scheme (buy or sell holiday days)
• Performance Dependent Annual Bonus
• Company Pension Scheme with 5% Employee and 8.5% Employer contributions (subject to eligibility, T&Cs)
• Life Assurance & Income Protection
• A flexible and supportive working culture including access to mental health first aiders

and lots more…. please get in touch to find out more….

We all know happiness comes from within. And it’s no different with Money Happiness. It starts right here! At Saffron Building Society we’re ready to build it, inspire it and celebrate it with our members, people and communities.

So, whatever that ‘happy’ is – from picking up the keys, to saving for that big day – we’re here with open arms, curious minds, and the kettle on. Ready to cheer our members on when they’re winning or build them back up when things haven’t gone to plan. And why? Because that’s what families do.

For us, this is much more than a job. We’re here to make things better, roll up our sleeves and think what’s next to rebuild. Our people are the beating heart of Saffron, and it takes each and every one of us to provide the service we’re proud of.

So, bring you! Your energy, an abundance of team spirit and your hunger to help. Together we are building happy.

At Saffron, we are committed to building happy; for our communities, members, and each other. We do this through attracting and building a diverse group of talent and encouraging an inclusive environment which foster a sense of belonging for all. We hire the best people and have a collaborative culture where everybody’s uniqueness is celebrated and respected.

We recognise the strength in having a diverse workforce, adding different perspectives, ideas and values. We are inspired to leave a legacy for our communities and each other.

Previous Underwriting experience / FS background / Complex Lending