Head of Credit Risk

City Capital are currently representing a highly respected development finance lender who are looking to spearhead their credit function with the appointment of a Head of Credit Risk who will play a critical role in the business's growth journey. Our client is a fast-growing development finance lender who also operate with great success in the mezzanine equity & bridging markets. They have recently onboarded new funding lines with further funding expansion expected which should see the growth of the loan book over the coming period. The lender's focus is on high quality development and investment opportunities with projects funded in the UK and internationally. They are agile, entrepreneurial and ambitious in approach and alongside this hire are expanding their team in all areas to deliver increased originations and funded loans to bolster growth.

Due to this, they require a highly experienced, forward-thinking and focused Head of Credit Risk who will work closely with the board on all aspects of day-to-day and strategic credit risk management and development as below.

As Head of Credit Risk you will take responsibility for all aspects of the business's activity and performance in this area. This will include owning, developing and progressing the credit risk framework for the business considering new product launches and funding line onboarding as well as market dynamics and the growing needs of the firm and partners. Day to day you will be the SME on all aspects of credit and credit risk supporting deal flow structuring of larger complex lending transactions and driving forward activity that enhances the commercial results of the business whilst protecting it from poor lending choices. You will work closely with origination, legal and investment teams to ensure each deal is rigorously reviewed and that portfolio exposure remains tightly managed. This is a critical senior appointment designed to strengthen the firm's governance systems and risk discipline as the business continues to scale its portfolio of real estate lending and investment activities. This is a strategic leadership position blending commercial understanding with deep technical knowledge of real estate finance, restructuring and recovery. You will lead credit approval processes and build robust systems for ongoing risk monitoring and reporting. This role will be based in London with flexibility to work in a hybrid pattern as discussed.

• Lead and oversee the firm's credit risk function in all aspects
• Develop, implement and maintain credit risk principles, frameworks and policies
• Assist with product development and launches from a credit risk perspective
• Support the onboarding, offboarding and management of key funding lines
• Play the lead role in the structuring and execution of larger complex loans
• Assess structure and approve credit proposals ensuring due diligence and risk
• Chair credit risk committees providing clear evidence-based recommendations
• Oversee the funded loan portfolio targeting healthy loan redemptions
• Support existing borrowers with access to funds, restructuring or refinancing
• Drive the development of credit systems and reporting tools for enhanced data analysis
• Oversee NPLs implementing and driving recovery strategies if needed
• Foster a strong risk-aware culture across the organisation embedding accountability
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, internal policies and external audits
• Deliver regular reports and insights to the board
• Mentor and develop junior risk and portfolio management staff
• Advise on market conditions relevant to all products covered

The Ideal Individual for this role will be highly experienced in credit risk for real estate lending with a strong background in development finance. You will be able to demonstrate experience in devising and enhancing credit policies and frameworks and will be happy to roll up your sleeves to support larger, more complex lending needs. You will be comfortable reporting directly to the board and working on broader company strategy and are likely to have experience in running or operating within credit or risk committees. In terms of profile, you must be comfortable or at your best operating in a growing and agile environment with an entrepreneurial feel. You will be an individual who likes to accept autonomy and accountability in your role and will be a strong mentor for the company's junior staff.

• Extensive experience in real estate finance credit risk management
• A strong background in development finance lending with a good knowledge of mezzanine
• Notable contribution to credit risk frameworks, policies and procedures
• Outstanding deal structuring skills to consider new loans and loan restructure/refi
• Experienced in monitoring funded loans to healthy redemption
• Confident when devising strategies for non-performing loans or distressed situations
• Ability to assess structure and manage complex real estate lending transactions
• Record of leading credit approval processes and presenting to senior or board level
• Commercial understanding with the ability to balance risk management and growth
• Strong leadership and people management with experience mentoring junior staff
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented and confident in making independent decisions
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and investors
• Resilient and solutions-focused when managing risk in an entrepreneurial environment

Our client is ideally looking to pay £110k-£135k as a basic salary for the ideal individual relevant to experience. Higher offers may also be considered for exceptional talent. Salary will be complemented by access to our client's favourable bonus structure to boost annual earnings. For those applying, we can also discuss the equity plan on offer with this firm. Notably, this is a firm in the ascendency with real ambitions to grow. Due to this, it is expected that the arriving Head of Credit Risk will be in an exceptional position to propel both career standing and package forward within as excellent performance is delivered. As the business scales, it is expected that the hierarchy will offer opportunities internally to achieve more.

There is a reasonable amount of urgency to fill this position in line with objectives. Due to the nature of the role and opportunity, you do not expect it to be on the market for long! If this role does sound like one that you are both qualified for and interested in then we look forward to your application as soon as possible. Once we have reviewed your application we will be in touch with an update. We look forward to hearing from you.