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- Tasks: Lead underwriting for SME customers and shape credit strategy.
- Company: Join a rapidly scaling fintech platform making waves in the lending industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lending performance and risk management in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in SME underwriting and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach junior team members and contribute to innovative credit solutions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a highly skilled and commercially minded Lead SME Underwriter to take ownership of underwriting processes across a rapidly scaling lending platform. You’ll be instrumental in shaping the credit strategy, driving high-quality credit decisions, and balancing risk with the needs of a fast-moving commercial environment. This is a rare opportunity to join a fintech scale-up at a key stage in its growth and have a direct impact on lending performance, risk appetite, and automation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end underwriting for SME customers, including reviewing financials, credit data, bank feeds, and behavioural insights to make informed decisions.
- Refine and apply the credit policy, ensuring decisions align with risk appetite and commercial strategy.
- Collaborate with Sales, Product, and Risk to ensure credit decisions are scalable, fast, and customer-friendly.
- Support development of automated underwriting models and contribute to data-led decisioning improvements.
- Manage exceptions and borderline cases, applying sound judgment in fast-paced scenarios.
- Monitor portfolio performance and suggest changes to policy or processes based on emerging trends.
- Act as the subject matter expert on SME credit, coaching junior underwriters or operations team members.
- Contribute to credit committee discussions and support investor/lender reporting where required.
Requirements:
- Proven experience in SME or commercial underwriting, ideally in a fintech, alternative lender, or challenger bank.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial statements, bank data, and credit reports.
Lead Underwriter - SME Lending employer: InterQuest Group
Contact Detail:
InterQuest Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Underwriter - SME Lending
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in SME lending and fintech. Understanding the current market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fintech and underwriting sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within companies like ours.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills, especially in interpreting financial statements and credit reports. Consider taking a short course or workshop that focuses on these areas to enhance your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed risk and made credit decisions in previous roles. Being able to articulate your thought process and outcomes will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Underwriter - SME Lending
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in SME or commercial underwriting. Focus on your analytical skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to make informed credit decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the fintech industry. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Lead Underwriter position, particularly in shaping credit strategy and collaborating with other teams.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that showcase your strong analytical skills. Mention specific instances where you interpreted financial statements or made data-driven decisions that positively impacted lending performance.
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you have experience coaching junior underwriters or leading teams, be sure to include this in your application. Emphasise your ability to manage exceptions and apply sound judgment in fast-paced scenarios, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at InterQuest Group
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Lead Underwriter, you'll need to demonstrate strong analytical abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully interpreted financial statements or credit reports. Highlight how your analysis led to informed decision-making in previous roles.
✨Understand the Company’s Credit Strategy
Research the company's current credit strategy and risk appetite. During the interview, articulate how your experience aligns with their approach and how you can contribute to refining and applying their credit policy effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgment in fast-paced scenarios, especially regarding borderline cases. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific underwriting challenges, showcasing your ability to balance risk with commercial needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams, such as Sales and Product, to ensure scalable and customer-friendly credit decisions. Highlight any experience you have in coaching or mentoring junior team members.
