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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Portfolio Management Division, overseeing credit risk assessments and team management.
- Company: Join UK Export Finance, a pioneering agency supporting UK exports for over 100 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK exports while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management and leadership is essential; strong analytical skills are a plus.
- Other info: Engage with key stakeholders and represent UKEF at industry events.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
UK Export Finance (UKEF), founded in 1919 as the world’s first export credit agency, is the UK’s export credit agency with over 100 years of supporting UK exports. Our mission is to "advance prosperity by ensuring no viable UK export fails for lack of finance and insurance, doing that sustainably and at no net cost to the taxpayer." We provide loans, guarantees, and insurance to help UK companies win overseas sales, fulfill export contracts, and ensure payment. We operate as a government department, reporting to the Secretary of State for International Trade, and work alongside the Department for Business and Trade.
About the Role
The department supports UK companies exporting to foreign markets by providing insurance, loans, and guarantees against non-payment or non-performance by UK exporters and overseas buyers. The financial success of the department depends on sound credit risk assessment, especially given the elevated default risks in emerging markets. The Portfolio Management Division (PMD) handles credit reviews for all non-sovereign risks, creating probability of default (PD) ratings and loss given default (LGD) for each risk.
Main Activities
- Leadership and Management: Lead and motivate approximately 18 FTEs across three teams, including managers at Grade 6/7 and a deputy at SCS 1 level. Participate in key committees such as the UKEF Enterprise Risk and Credit Committee (ERiCC). Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, industry partners, insurers, and banks. Mentor and develop team members, contributing to the People Agenda for the Risk Management group.
- Post Issue Management: Oversee activities such as tracking post-approval conditions, monitoring financial statements, covenant compliance, and managing breaches and waivers. Monitor credit profiles, report deterioration, and coordinate with the portfolio management team on risk mitigation.
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risk Development: Develop and integrate ESG factors into credit ratings and risk assessments. Stay abreast of industry and ECA developments, and refine decision-making tools and stress testing models. Collaborate with business teams to review and develop UKEF’s risk appetite and coverage opportunities.
- Additional Responsibilities: Contribute to risk policies and strategic projects. Represent UKEF at seminars, workshops, and industry events as a risk subject matter expert. Deputise for the CRO and other senior risk leaders in meetings and external engagements. Manage budget responsibilities.
This list is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Head of Portfolio Management London UK Export Finance Full time employer: UK Export Finance
Contact Detail:
UK Export Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Portfolio Management London UK Export Finance Full time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in credit risk assessment and ESG practices. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the export finance sector, especially those involved in risk management. Attend industry events or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about UKEF's operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would motivate a diverse team. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead and develop talent within a risk management context.
✨Tip Number 4
Research UKEF’s recent projects and initiatives, particularly those related to ESG and credit risk. Being able to reference specific examples during discussions will show your genuine interest in the organisation and its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Portfolio Management London UK Export Finance Full time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Portfolio Management position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, such as leading the Portfolio Management Division and overseeing credit risk assessments.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in portfolio management, risk assessment, and leadership. Emphasise any previous roles where you've managed teams or engaged with stakeholders, particularly in financial contexts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the specific requirements of the role. Mention your understanding of ESG practices and how you can enhance the risk management team's capabilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a leadership role in risk management.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Export Finance
✨Understand UKEF's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you fully grasp UKEF's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their role in supporting UK exports and how they operate as a government department. This will help you align your answers with their objectives.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As the Head of Portfolio Management, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, how you've motivated teams, and any specific examples of mentoring or developing team members that demonstrate your capability.
✨Highlight Risk Management Skills
Given the focus on credit risk assessment, come ready to discuss your experience with credit reviews, risk mitigation strategies, and any relevant ESG practices. Use specific examples to illustrate your expertise in managing risks effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
UKEF works closely with various stakeholders, including government departments and industry partners. Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement and how you’ve successfully collaborated with different parties to achieve common goals.
