Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending
Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending

Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Chamberlain Career Management

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in assessing and underwriting secured loans for diverse businesses.
  • Company: A dynamic SME lender focused on responsible finance and innovation.
  • Benefits: Pension, healthcare, bonus, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with direct access to senior decision-makers.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of lending while making a real impact on businesses.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in UK commercial secured lending and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: Kent – hybrid working, 2 days in the office

The Business

Our client is a specialist SME / Commercial lender focused on responsible, relationship-led finance – a growing, stable, established, innovative and flexible business. They offer secured loans, with funds available for any credible business purpose.

Summary

You’ll join a collaborative team, with direct exposure to senior decision-makers, an opportunity to shape the evolution of the credit function as the business grows, as well as the satisfaction of providing real-economy lending with long term impact. Our client is looking for a motivated Senior Credit Underwriter with proven experience of underwriting UK commercial secured lending across a wide variety of sectors. This is a new role that will supervise a small team of underwriters assessing and processing secured term loans funding a wide variety of assets up to £10m. You will report to the Head of Credit and deputise for them, as well as working closely with the Credit Committee and ExCo in order to grow the business.

Role Overview

The Senior Credit Underwriter will be pivotal in maintaining the quality, consistency, and integrity of lending decisions. You will combine hands-on underwriting of secured term loans with leadership across complex cases, mentoring of underwriters and a meaningful input into the credit policy, and active engagement with the Credit Committee to drive sustainable portfolio growth. This is a senior, decision-led credit role with genuine influence over outcomes.

Core Underwriting Responsibilities

  • Assess, structure, and underwrite secured term loan applications in line with lending policy and risk appetite
  • Analyse borrower financial statements, cash flows, affordability, and sensitivity cases; produce clear, balanced credit recommendations
  • Review and challenge valuations and legal security structures to ensure adequacy of collateral, priority and enforceability
  • Produce high-quality credit papers using standard formats and templates
  • Senior ability to stress test and articulate sensitivities
  • Experience reviewing valuations and legal security, with sound understanding of priority, LTV, covenants, and enforcement
  • Ability to produce clear, well-reasoned written credit recommendations and communicate decisions credibly
  • High attention to detail, organisation, and the ability to manage multiple cases concurrently in a decisive and commercially astute manner
  • Ability to develop strong working relationships with all stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Desirable Experience benefits include pension, healthcare and bonus. There’s lots more to tell! Please apply with your CV and/or contact chris.notley@chamberlaincareers.com to schedule an initial conversation and receive a full job description.

Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending employer: Chamberlain Career Management

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Kent with hybrid working options. Employees benefit from direct exposure to senior leadership, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through responsible lending practices. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this company fosters a culture that values employee contributions and promotes long-term career development.
Chamberlain Career Management

Contact Detail:

Chamberlain Career Management Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and lending sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its lending practices thoroughly. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and goals, especially in commercial lending. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past underwriting cases and successes. We believe that demonstrating your ability to assess and structure loans effectively can set you apart from other candidates. Bring this along to interviews to back up your claims.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the position. Keep an eye on our listings for the latest opportunities in credit underwriting.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending

Underwriting Experience
Commercial Lending Knowledge
Financial Statement Analysis
Cash Flow Analysis
Credit Risk Assessment
Valuation Review
Legal Security Understanding
Credit Policy Development
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Microsoft Word Proficiency
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Decision-Making Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your underwriting experience and any leadership roles you've had, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Senior Credit Underwriter position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about commercial lending and how your background aligns with our values. This is your chance to showcase your personality and enthusiasm, so don’t hold back!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves assessing financial statements and producing credit recommendations, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully analysed complex data in previous roles. We want to see your analytical prowess in action!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chamberlain Career Management

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Credit Underwriter, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial statements and cash flows. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you assess affordability and risk in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves supervising a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and drive outcomes within a team setting.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions about underwriting processes, valuation reviews, and legal security structures. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in commercial lending and be ready to articulate your approach to stress testing and sensitivity analysis.

✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

This role requires strong relationships with various stakeholders. Think of ways you've successfully collaborated in the past and be ready to discuss how you would engage with the Credit Committee and ExCo to support business growth.

Senior Credit Underwriter - Commercial Lending
Chamberlain Career Management
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