At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite and approve complex SME and asset finance transactions with real influence.
- Company: Specialist UK bank with a strong track record in SME lending.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, enhanced pension, profit-related pay, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and tackle high-quality, complex SME deals.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of SME credit underwriting experience and £1m+ delegated authority.
- Other info: Flexible working model with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A specialist UK bank with a strong track record in SME and asset-backed lending is seeking an SME credit professional to take a pivotal role in underwriting. This role is designed for someone already operating at or above £1m+ personal delegation, with deep experience in SME lending and asset finance, who can confidently balance commercial outcomes with disciplined risk judgement. This is a hands-on role with real influence in a tight knit team.
Key Responsibilities
- Underwrite and approve complex SME and asset finance transactions above local mandate levels
- Exercise senior personal credit authority (£1m+) and support submissions to Credit / Sanctioning Committee
- Review and challenge deal structures, security packages, cashflow assumptions, and covenant frameworks
- Provide 2nd line credit oversight to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to risk appetite
- Chair regular SME credit review forums with origination teams
- Contribute to SME credit policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio risk initiatives
- Support periodic credit reviews of key counterparties and suppliers
About You
- 10+ years’ SME credit underwriting experience, ideally within asset finance or asset-backed lending
- Proven track record operating at senior underwriting / £1m+ delegated authority
- Strong understanding of SME financials, cashflow lending, asset-backed structures, and security
- Comfortable assessing complex ownership structures and corporate entities
- Commercially minded, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders
- Clear, concise credit writer with strong judgement and attention to detail
- Able to operate autonomously while adding value across the wider business
Why This Role
- High-quality SME deal flow with real variety and complexity across other portfolios also (BTL, Motor, Property Development)
- Hybrid working model with genuine flexibility - 1 day a week in the West Midlands, with other office locations for additional days when required.
- Strong benefits package including enhanced pension, profit-related pay, and generous leave
- A collaborative, relationship-led culture that values experience and sound judgement
Credit Manager - SME Lending employer: Broadgate
Contact Detail:
Broadgate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Manager - SME Lending
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SME lending space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of credit risk management and asset finance. Be ready to discuss your experience with £1m+ delegated authority and how you've successfully navigated complex transactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial mindset! During interviews, highlight instances where you've balanced risk with business outcomes. This will demonstrate that you can influence senior stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Manager - SME Lending
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your lending experience, especially with transactions over £1m. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in SME and asset finance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with credit oversight and how you can contribute to our team’s success. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Judgement Skills: In your application, highlight examples where you've had to exercise strong judgement in complex lending situations. We love candidates who can balance commercial outcomes with disciplined risk assessment, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broadgate
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around SME lending and asset finance. Be ready to discuss specific examples of transactions you've underwritten, particularly those over £1m. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Understand the Risk Appetite
Familiarise yourself with the bank's risk appetite and credit policies. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would balance commercial outcomes with disciplined risk judgement. This shows that you can think critically about the role and its responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making process. Think of complex ownership structures or challenging deal reviews you've encountered in the past, and be ready to explain how you approached them.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with origination teams and chairing credit review forums, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as this will resonate well with their relationship-led culture.