Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and underwriting for a growing real estate debt fund.
- Company: Niche non-bank lender with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of property finance.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in senior underwriting with a strong understanding of UK property finance.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
My client is a niche non-bank lender who provides small ticket bridging and development finance.
Due to continued growth, we are looking to recruit an individual to support our expanding lending activities and play a key role in growing our loan book as we look to achieve our ambitious growth plans.
Responsibilities:
- Underwriting & Credit Risk
- Directly managing the Head of Underwriting. A member of the credit committee alongside, Head of Underwriting and Managing Director.
- Monitor live loans, including staged drawdowns and ongoing covenant compliance.
- Manage arrears and default processes, recovery strategies, and portfolio performance monitoring.
- Operations & Process Leadership
- Design and implement robust lending operations (application form workflow, drawdown monitoring, QS coordination, legal process, legal panel management and funding line reporting).
- Build and lead a small underwriting and ops team as the business grows.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and funding line requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement in turnaround times, risk controls, and customer experience.
- Sales Support & Origination
- Provide specialist support to the BDM sales team (who report directly to the Managing Director) to deliver origination KPIs including volume, pipeline, conversion rates and broker relationships.
- Strategic Contribution
- Help shape lending policy, pricing, and product development.
- Contribute to the overall growth strategy of the business.
- Participate in key decisions as a senior leader.
What you will Bring:
- A thorough understanding of the UK property finance industry.
- Senior underwriting experience in development finance, bridging loans, or commercial property lending (minimum 7–10 years).
- Proven ability to build and improve operational processes.
- Hands-on, entrepreneurial attitude.
- Committed to providing 1st class customer service.
- A sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.
Location: Peterborough
Salary: up to £120,000 (depending on experience) plus bonus
Operations Director - Real Estate (Debt Fund) in Cambridge employer: Buckden Partners
Contact Detail:
Buckden Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Real Estate (Debt Fund) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the real estate and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their lending processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in underwriting and operations. Use real examples of how you've improved processes or contributed to growth in previous roles. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Operations Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Real Estate (Debt Fund) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in underwriting and credit risk, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our niche lending activities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the property finance industry and how you can contribute to our growth plans. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve operational processes and customer service. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve increased efficiency or improved KPIs, let us know!
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 Buckden Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of the UK property finance industry. Be ready to discuss specific metrics related to underwriting and credit risk, as well as how you've contributed to improving operational processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in building and improving operational processes, and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in customer experience.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s lending policies and growth strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious plans and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table regarding product development and pricing.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around managing arrears and default processes. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges and improved portfolio performance.