At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop underwriting teams to ensure excellent customer outcomes.
- Company: Join Darlington Building Society, a forward-thinking lender shaping the future of finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lending strategy and customer service in a dynamic market.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in underwriting and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
- Description
- Shape the future of lending at Darlington Building Society
We're looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Underwriting to lead our underwriting function, ensuring we continue to deliver excellent customer outcomes whilst maintaining a strong and sustainable lending portfolio.
As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you'll play a key role in shaping lending strategy, supporting the Society's growth ambitions and driving a high-performing underwriting team.
You'll balance commercial opportunity with responsible lending, helping us deliver exceptional service to both members and intermediary partners.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior underwriting professional who thrives on leadership, continuous improvement and making informed decisions in a changing mortgage market.
Requirements
- Leading and developing our underwriting teams, creating a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous learning.
- Owning the Society's underwriting approach, ensuring lending decisions align with our risk appetite, policy framework and regulatory requirements.
- Working closely with colleagues across Sales, Products, Finance, Risk and Operations to shape and deliver our lending strategy.
- Monitoring underwriting quality, service levels and operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve processes and customer outcomes.
- Providing oversight of complex lending decisions and maintaining delegated lending authorities across the underwriting team.
- Using management information and market insight to identify trends, monitor risk and support decision making.
- Leading change initiatives across lending operations, helping the Society adapt to evolving customer, regulatory and market demands.
- Acting as a senior subject matter expert on mortgage lending, underwriting policy and credit risk.
Head of Underwriting employer: Darlington Building Society
At Darlington Building Society, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering hybrid working arrangements to suit your lifestyle. Our supportive culture encourages personal growth and development, with a strong focus on enhancing member experiences through innovative digital solutions. With competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and health and wellbeing support, you'll find a rewarding environment where you can truly make an impact in the financial services sector.
Contact Details:
Darlington Building Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Darlington Building Society. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Darlington Building Society.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Darlington Building Society's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Building Society
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Darlington Building Society.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Darlington Building Society will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Darlington Building Society employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
