Underwriting Team Lead - Residential Real Estate & Commercial Real Estate

The Underwriting Team Lead is a seasoned professional role leading a team of RRE and CRE underwriters in new business and existing portfolio management. Applies in-depth disciplinary knowledge, contributing to the development of new techniques and the improvement of processes and work-flow for the area or function. Integrates subject matter and industry expertise within a defined area. Requires in-depth understanding of how areas collectively integrate within the sub-function as well as coordinate and contribute to the objectives of the function and overall business. Evaluates moderately complex and variable issues with substantial potential impact, where development of an approach/taking of an action involves weighing various alternatives and balancing potentially conflicting situations using multiple sources of information. Requires good analytical skills to filter, prioritize and validate potentially complex and dynamic material from multiple sources. Strong communication, leadership and diplomacy skills are required. Significant impact in terms of project size, geography, etc. by influencing decisions through advice, counsel and/or facilitating services to others in area of specialization. Work and performance of all teams in the area are directly affected by the performance of the individual.

Responsibilities:

• The Wealth Underwriting Team Lead within Wealth Credit Management (WCM) EMEA will manage the RRE and CRE Underwriting Team and oversee new business requests, ongoing portfolio management, ad-hoc project management and some third-party vendor management.
• For a select portfolio of key clients, the Underwriting Team Lead will serve as a key contact for residential mortgage product underwriting process, from initiation of inquiry to closing, maintaining at all times proactive communication with all stakeholders, including the clients, Private Banking teams, internal and external legal, appraisal firms etc.
• Working within the wider Lending team to originate, structure and transact residential and commercial real estate loans in accordance with established Product Programs and policies.
• Work closely with 2nd Line of Defence from an early stage to ensure a no surprises culture.
• Responsible for ensuring ongoing effective portfolio management, including but not limited to past due obligations, covenant monitoring, annual reviews and upcoming maturities.
• Ensure all necessary internal and external reporting requirements are completed in a timely manner.
• Work closely with RRE and CRE Product Head and wider Lending Leadership Team on policy updates and strategy.
• Take a leading role in Internal Audit and BICR reviews.
• This is a demanding role in which individual judgment is needed to assess the risk reward dynamics of the extension of credit.
• It requires the ability to work closely with Private Bankers and clients to meet both marketing and risk management goals.
• Includes preparation, maintenance and communication of pipeline.
• Provide regular input to the Private Bankers, Risk and management in terms of MIS, competitive feedback, key client status reports, promotional opportunities, etc.
• Responsible for managing and assigning all activities within the team, including new transaction opportunities.
• Ability to obtain relevant information from all parties in the lending cycle.
• Leading a deal team that requires effective participation and contribution.
• The position requires the individual to independently exert leadership and effectively orchestrate the mortgage process.
• Excellent understanding of all aspects of loan programs and internal and external guidelines/Regulations.
• Working knowledge ability to understand and interpret complex financials for credit assessment.
• Understanding of complex mortgage structuring.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behaviour, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.

Qualifications:

• Ideally with CeMAP qualification Senior Credit Officer (SCO) or equivalent.
• Education: Bachelor's/University degree or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional candidates who do not meet these criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience.

Candidates applying for this role must be aware that it is a Certified Role, subject to the Certification Regime. The Certification Regime is one element of the Individual Accountability Regime which has come into effect on 7 March 2016. Under the Certification Regime, certain Citi entities must ensure that employees working in certain roles categorised as specified significant harm functions (Certified Roles) are assessed as fit and proper to carry out their role. Under the guidance provided by the FCA and PRA, firms should have regard to the following when assessing fitness and propriety: Honesty, integrity and reputation; Financial soundness; Competence and capability. In order to comply with the requirements of the Certification Regime, certain Citi entities must take reasonable care to ensure that an employee does not perform a Certified Role without first being certified as Fit and Proper. For this reason, you will be assessed for this role against the Fit and Proper requirements, as described above. This assessment will be carried out through extensive interviews, self-disclosures, permitted criminal record checks, reference checks, credit checks and other background checks. If hired for this role, you will also be required to complete an annual declaration regarding your Fitness and Propriety. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the information above and that you are applying for a Certified Role. You also agree to Citi carrying out any additional screening required, including permitted criminal record checks, reference checks, credit checks and any other background checks.