Mortgage Underwriter

Progressive offers you the opportunity to be part of a leading home-grown organisation with a proud reputation for customer service excellence. With our personal and caring approach, we have been helping generations of local people to save and become homeowners. Supported by a strong high street presence and ambitious growth plans, our vision is to be the savings and mortgage provider of choice in Northern Ireland. As a nurturing employer, we believe in supporting staff to bring their whole selves to work in an inclusive environment where diverse needs are recognised and respected. If you are seeking the opportunity of blended home and office working in an exciting new role then we would love to hear from you.

Upon successful completion of your training/probation period, we can offer you 2 days in the office with the remainder at your discretion.

We are looking for an experienced Mortgage Underwriter to join our thriving Head Office Mortgage Underwriting Team. Reporting directly to our Mortgage Underwriting Manager, the role aims to help our branches and brokers deliver a high-quality service that supports the achievement of our ambitious growth plans. With an eye for detail and strong people skills, you will bring your significant underwriting experience to the role, enabling you to quickly get up to speed with handling multiple cases to expected standards in accordance with our Lending and mortgage-related policies, TMF principles, regulatory requirements and FCA responsible lending best practice.

If you are passionate about serving our mortgage customers and ensuring customer experience excellence in a competitive landscape, then we want to hear from you. In return, you will have the opportunity to work flexibly within a hybrid arrangement and continue to grow your knowledge and competency in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Dealing with Mortgage Intermediaries, Branches and Society teams regarding the mortgage application process.
• Completing and reviewing mortgage applications, examining supporting documentation and verifying accuracy.
• Analysing applicants' credit history and financial information to assess eligibility.
• Analysing the risk presented, requesting additional information as necessary.
• Identifying signs of suspicious or fraudulent activity.
• Assessing every customer on their individual circumstances and the evidence presented to ensure good customer outcomes.
• Making mortgage eligibility judgements, approving or rejecting applications.
• Documenting and effectively communicating the reasons for the approval or rejection of applications.
• Answering Mortgage Intermediary queries regarding applications.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, mortgage policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Achievement of minimum KPI Requirements and Targets.

What's on offer?

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working model
• Annual KPI Bonus Scheme
• Excellent pension with up to 20% employer pension contribution
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Group Income Protection
• Health cash plan for money back on dental, optical costs etc.
• Generous holidays - 25 days plus up to 12 Bank Holidays
• Day off for your birthday
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to gain great exposure in a supportive environment
• Excellent training and volunteering opportunities

As part of our recruitment process, successful applicants will be subject to our pre-employment checks. These include credit checks and criminal record checks (Access NI basic check through a responsible body).

Required Criteria:

• Experience of working productively within a fast-paced customer-focused environment.
• Highly organised & capable of handling a large volume of customer cases at any given time.
• Confidence to effectively question and challenge evidence presented.
• Detail-oriented with strong data accuracy.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good Numeracy & Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to retain a detailed knowledge of products and services to resolve complex queries.
• Can work both collaboratively within a team and independently, using initiative.
• Capable of delivering a professional, efficient service to branches and brokers.
• 3+ years mortgage underwriting experience.

Desired Criteria:

• CeMap qualified.

Skills Needed:

• Answering Customer Questions
• Establishing Rapport With Clients
• Ability to Use Positive Language
• Ability to Identify and Anticipate needs