Head of Underwriting

We currently have a new opportunity for a full-time Head of Underwriting, in our Leeds or Manchester region.

Purpose of the job:

• To lead the Underwriting Team across a multi-product portfolio, currently consisting of short-term property backed lending and asset finance refinancing to the SME market.
• Ensure sanctions remain compliant with Credit Policy and the commercial objectives of Reward, manage resources to ensure departmental SLAs are maintained, provide training and support to the team and wider business.
• Monitor market and regulatory trends, making recommendations for realignment of Risk Appetite and Policy.
• You will also assess and underwrite new business propositions within your own mandate.

The Work

Accountability and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the underwriting team.
• Facilitate underwriting and credit risk awareness training to the wider business.
• Cross-skill the underwriting team in relation to all Reward product offerings
• Provide credit oversight to ensure new and existing facilities are written in accordance with credit policy and risk appetite
• Monitor workflows to ensure that team SLA’s and individual KPI’s are achieved.
• Support the Risk Director in ensuring the risk framework of the business is robust and remains so as the business grows.
• Represent and promote the Underwriting team on internal and external meetings.
• Adopt the ethos of continuous improvement, constantly looking to improve efficiencies and process.
• Support the Business Development and Operational teams in structuring new business proposals and facility renewals.
• Underwrite deals within your own mandate.
• Make recommendations to Credit Committee in respect of any credit policy exceptions.
• Share best practice, drive efficiencies and ensure consistency in all core processes, through building best practice, reviewing processes and process change governance.
• Connect and engage with key stakeholders, internal and external, to maximise and maintain relationships.

The Person

Skills and experience

• Strong technical underwriting experience in property backed lending, Asset Finance refinance and wider Asset Based Lending.
• Proven ability to structure deals to support new business outcomes, whilst remaining within risk appetite.
• Experience of coaching and developing colleagues.
• Time management skills – prioritise work effectively and be able to work under pressure to meet agreed service levels, whilst maintaining high accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively and engage with the wider business, key stakeholders and third parties.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Keen attention to detail, including the administration and handling of client data.

Requirements

• You may be required to travel for client visits, attend events and other Reward Funding offices – these may include an overnight stay.

The Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll also benefit from:

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• An extra day’s annual leave for your birthday.
• The option to buy or sell up to five days of annual leave.
• An employer pension contribution of 10% of your base salary.
• Company paid for Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to a range of gym & retail discounts and perks.
• Death-in-Service benefit of four times your salary.
• Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase an electric car.
• Bonus – dependent on personal performance.

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