At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of risk pricing strategies and analyse portfolio performance.
- Company: Join Admiral Money, a dynamic division of a FTSE-listed business.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a supportive, inclusive culture and excellent work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial risk management while working with advanced analytics.
- Qualifications: Experience in data science, predictive modelling, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
About Us
Admiral Money is an exciting and growing division within Admiral Group. We combine the pace and ambition of a growing lender with the backing and stability of a FTSE-listed business. Since launching unsecured personal loans in 2017, we have continued to grow and diversify, with Motor Finance and Mortgages added more recently. We are looking for people who are keen to learn, excited to get stuck in and ready to help us build something special for our customers.
About the Role
We are looking for a Lead Credit Risk Analyst to join our Credit & Pricing Function. As a Lead Analyst in Risk Pricing, you will drive the development and delivery of robust risk pricing strategies and actionable portfolio insights. You will independently lead analytical workstreams, take accountability for the accuracy and performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death risk), and ensure portfolio performance is optimised against risk appetite. You will set standards for analytical excellence, influence strategic decision-making across the business, and mentor your team to deliver consistently strong results. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be in our Cardiff Office at least once a month.
What You Will Be Doing
- Own the development, validation, and ongoing performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death) using advanced statistical and ML techniques; ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and meet regulatory/governance standards.
- Independently analyse portfolio performance and take accountability for identifying root causes of deviation from expected outcomes; communicate insights and drive corrective action.
- Set analytical standards and best practices for the risk pricing team; enforce rigorous data quality, methodology, and documentation disciplines.
- Make key decisions on model enhancements and simulation tool improvements (Nexus, Kairos); balance technical rigour with business ROI.
- Drive cross-functional initiatives to strengthen risk pricing strategies, portfolio monitoring, and strategic pricing for new product/channel opportunities.
- Influence and advise Line 2 risk, Finance, and SMT on financial risk management, loss performance, and risk appetite alignment.
- Develop and coach analysts on advanced modelling techniques, problem-solving approaches, and career progression; hold team accountable to high analytical standards.
- Establish and maintain relationships with external data providers and monitor external data quality and relevance.
- Risk models covering all material sources of loss (PD, fraud, death risk) with robust validation, backtesting, and audit trails.
- Comprehensive model documentation meeting internal governance and external regulatory requirements.
- Monthly portfolio performance analysing actual vs expected outcomes for all loss sources by risk segment, product, channel, and vintage; identifying strategic insights and business implications.
- Recommendations and business cases for model enhancements, pricing adjustments, or portfolio interventions; track implementation and measure impact.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Data Science experience with a strong track record of developing, validating and monitoring predictive models.
- Python development experience with the ability to build, maintain and enhance analytical/model development solutions.
- Expert-level SQL experience including extracting, transforming and analysing large, complex datasets.
- Experience within lending products, specifically: Motor Finance, Homeowner Loans (Secured Lending) or Unsecured Personal Loans (UPL).
- Strong experience developing and maintaining risk models (PD, fraud, credit risk or related models) using statistical and machine learning techniques.
- Ability to analyse portfolio performance, identify root causes of trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve commercial and risk outcomes.
- Experience communicating analytical findings and influencing stakeholders across Risk, Finance and senior leadership teams.
Desirable
- Experience with Power BI and creating management information/reporting dashboards.
- Experience using Git for version control and collaborative development.
- Experience with simulation tools and pricing platforms (e.g. Nexus, Kairos or similar).
- Previous experience mentoring or coaching analysts and supporting team development.
- Knowledge of external data sources such as credit reference agencies and third‑party risk data providers.
- Experience operating within regulated financial services environments with strong governance and model documentation standards.
Admiral: Where You Can
We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive business. It's a place where you can Be You, and show up as you are. We’re committed to fostering a people‑first culture where everyone is accepted, supported, and empowered to be brilliant. You can Grow And Progress at a pace and direction that suits you, Make A Difference for our customers and each other, and Share in Our Future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.
Everyone receives 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) when they join us, increasing the longer you stay with us, up to a maximum of 38 days (including bank holidays). You also have the option to buy or sell up to an additional five days of annual leave.
We’re proud of our people‑first culture. In fact, we've been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women, a Great Place to Work for Wellbeing, and an overall Great Place to Work for over 25 years! We’re fully committed to making sure your progression is not slowed or halted by barriers related to race, gender, age, sexuality or any of the protected characteristics.
Our fantastic benefits make sure our colleagues have a great work-life balance.
As a Disability Confident Leader, for candidates with a disability or long‑term health condition, that opt into the Disability Confident scheme, we’ll invite a fair and proportionate number of applicants that meet the essential requirements of the role to the first stage of our selection process. If you need any adjustments or support with your application or during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Lead Credit Risk Analyst in Cardiff employer: Admiral
Admiral Money is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With a commitment to diversity and a people-first approach, employees enjoy generous benefits such as up to 38 days of holiday, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to earn free shares. Located in Cardiff, this hybrid role allows for a balanced work-life experience while being part of a team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service in the car buying journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Credit Risk Analyst in Cardiff
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Admiral. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Credit Risk Analyst in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Admiral.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Admiral's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Admiral
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Admiral.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Admiral will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Admiral employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
