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- Tasks: Lead credit underwriting for commercial and SME lending, shaping strategy and policy.
- Company: Join a well-established financial services firm with a strong reputation and people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, 30 days holiday, and private medical care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-evolving company while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong credit background in commercial and SME lending; leadership experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 2-3 days in the office; opportunity to influence senior teams.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Head of Underwriting – Commercial/SME Lending | Up to £110,000 plus bonus Head of Underwriting – Commercial/SME Lending | Up to £110,000 plus bonus 3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants This range is provided by Skillful. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Direct message the job poster from Skillful We love all things Risk, Analytics and Data Role : Head of Underwriting – Premium Finance Location : South-West London (Hybrid with 2–3 days in the office) Salary : £90,000 to £110,000 plus bonus, 30 days holiday, private medical and more This is a brilliant opportunity to join a well-established financial services business with a strong reputation, clear values, and a people-first culture. They’re evolving fast, with big ambitions to modernise how risk is approached, and this role is a key part of that journey. You’ll lead the Credit Risk function, taking responsibility for credit underwriting across commercial and SME lending. You’ll shape strategy, own policy, and work closely with executive teams to ensure decisions are aligned with the business’s appetite and growth plans. But this isn’t just about credit risk on paper. You’ll lead a team of underwriters and credit professionals, building capability, setting clear standards, and supporting their growth. This is a hands-on, collaborative leadership role with the space and support to make your mark. To be successful, you’ll need a strong credit background across commercial and SME lending, with exposure to financial and insurance environments. You’ll also bring the leadership confidence to influence senior teams, and the technical expertise to manage complex transactions. So, if you’re comfortable with… Leading credit underwriting and approvals across a varied lending portfolio Setting and owning credit policy, standards, and appetite Supporting high-value transactions and presenting to Credit Committees Developing your team and setting a high bar for credit papers and decision-making Working closely with exec teams to balance risk and commercial ambition Driving forward projects and process improvements in a fast-paced environment And have experience in… Credit approval and credit risk management across commercial and SME customers The insurance sector, including an understanding of financing insurance premiums Banking and insurance products, and how they interact Leading and developing teams in high-accountability roles Assessing security, legal structures, and documentation risk in complex transactions Building strong internal and external stakeholder relationships at all levels (Bonus) Knowledge of premium finance products and services Then we want to speak with you – and so will they. If you’re looking for a senior credit role with real variety, influence, and the chance to shape the future, this is one for you! We’d love to share more details or talk through the opportunity, just let us know what works for you! Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Other Industries Banking and Financial Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Skillful by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Commercial Underwriter” roles. 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Head of Underwriting - Commercial/SME Lending | Up to £110,000 plus bonus employer: Skillful
Contact Detail:
Skillful Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting - Commercial/SME Lending | Up to £110,000 plus bonus
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those involved in credit risk and underwriting. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and decision-makers who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in commercial and SME lending, particularly around risk management and underwriting practices. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed teams in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you've influenced senior teams and driven process improvements, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Head of Underwriting position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with premium finance products and their implications in underwriting. Understanding how these products interact with insurance and banking will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute to the company's strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting - Commercial/SME Lending | Up to £110,000 plus bonus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in credit risk management, particularly in commercial and SME lending. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to influence senior teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals of modernising risk approaches and leading a team effectively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in credit underwriting and approvals. Mention any experience with complex transactions and stakeholder relationship management.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership role, emphasise your experience in developing teams and setting high standards. Provide examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skillful
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Underwriting, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully developed and supported your team in the past.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with credit risk management and underwriting in commercial and SME lending. Be ready to discuss complex transactions you've managed and the outcomes.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company's culture and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially their people-first approach and ambition to modernise risk management.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about strategy and policy. Prepare to share your insights on setting credit policies and how you would balance risk with commercial ambitions in a fast-paced environment.
