▷ [Immediate Start] Head of Secured Lending Underwriting - Fleet...

Salary: Assume responsibility for control and supervision of Secured Lending Underwriting activities across all organic mortgage brands, any associated Third-Party Management, and Complaints. Ensure the business area is run on sound commercial and professional principles which place customers at the heart of all its activities, meets defined corporate objectives but underpinned by prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed, managed, and controlled.

Key Responsibilities

• Mortgage Underwriting

• Responsible for all aspects of Secured Lending Underwriting across all organic mortgage brands and proposition styles.
• Responsible for building a cohesive team of competent Underwriters who consistently deliver appropriate lending outcomes in line with policy, process and regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for the strategy, treatment, and experience of the bank’s mortgage customers, driving towards a best in class Service Delivery Model in Mortgage Operations.
• Responsible for maintaining Consumer Duty principles with regards to Consumer Support and Consumer Understanding.
• Responsible for the identification/oversight of the banks fraud & financial crime within the Secured Lending Operations.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Secured Lending Operations to deliver consistent and timely lending outcomes across the whole of Secured Lending Operations.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex queries from department colleagues and key stakeholders from across Chetwood and our key stakeholders.

• Be part of the development, maintenance and testing of business continuity and resilience plans.
• Be part of Third-Party Management, Procurement and Outsourced Servicing Oversight across the business.
• Be part of cataloguing and maintaining key business processes/procedures.
• Aid in establishing the banks business readiness process to ensure all business requirements are delivered as a part of change implementation.
• Be part of the training across the business either classroom or e-learning, including input into the production of online training module creation.
• Be part of Operational Quality Assurance, incorporating customer contact, outcome testing and E2E operations process testing.
• Be part of the banks operational risk exposure by supporting the business to identify areas of operational risk exposure and by developing and implementing corrective action.

• Collaborate with leadership, committees and consultants to execute strategies.
• Communicate strategy effectively throughout the company.
• Ensure compliance with Regulatory requirements relating to Operations.
• Responsible for implementing, monitoring and analysing KPIs/KRIs for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient completion of activity within desired SLAs across all products and functions.
• Lead on the execution of business initiatives.
• Drive effective communication of highly complex / contentious information where there are barriers to understanding.
• Act as an internal communications advisor to ensure the organisations culture and strategy is well messaged across the business.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree/Advanced degree and/or the equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable Operational expertise in both strategic, operational and hands-on roles - with responsibility for the full scope of all operational activities, gained within the Financial Services sector.
• Demonstrable IT & Change expertise in both strategic, operational and hands-on roles - with responsibility for the full scope of technology and change activities, gained within the Financial Services sector.
• A proven track record of successfully implementing high profile strategic projects, managing multiple projects/deadlines and multitasking with ease.
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience.

Business

• Understanding depth understanding of the Financial Services sector with specific focus on Mortgage Lending (BTL/Residential/Bridging).
• Strong capability in strategic thinking, developing solutions and effective business planning.
• Understanding of compliance/regulatory requirements in the financial services sector.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Substantial management experience and achievement at operational level, plus evidence of significant achievement in strategic level projects or workstreams.
• Experience in leading and managing substantial service change and redesign in a complex environment.
• Understanding of Conduct Risk and how to deliver fair customer outcomes.
• Understanding of risk appetite and risk management frameworks in relation to mortgage lending.

Leadership

• Leads by example with a clarity of vision and ability to communicate with conviction, courageous in decision making and a role model for Bank’s values.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with senior management colleagues, direct reports, and shareholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of management, regulators, and the Bank’s committees.
• Works in partnership to achieve goals.
• Demonstrating excellence, frankness, openness, and transparency.
• Inspire respect, trust, and commitment to business objectives with well-developed leadership and people management skills.
• Demonstrates sound business/professional judgement through strength of character, independence of thought risk awareness and good values and behaviours.
• Works well under pressure and can prioritise and manage multiple and complex projects simultaneously.
• High levels of drive, energy, and personal commitment to success.
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to package and present ideas and gain agreement at an executive level.
• Developing people to support them to be the best that they can be.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday PLUS your BIRTHDAY off
• Pension contribution with Royal London
• Life Assurance
• Private medical, dental and optical health insurance with Axa
• Hybrid working – Wrexham
• Free breakfast available

About Chetwood Bank

We’re a UK-based digital bank dedicated to getting the basics right and offering straightforward savings and mortgages.