Lending Support Manager

About the role: Are you an experienced leader in underwriting, confident in driving change and improving processes? Are you passionate about supporting teams to deliver exceptional customer outcomes while staying aligned with regulatory requirements? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for a Lending Support Manager to join our Underwriting Team. Reporting directly to the Head of Underwriting, this pivotal role supports the Underwriting Team Lead and Mortgage Support Lead, focusing on driving improvements, implementing changes, and managing a team of Lending Support Officers. With a manager’s mandate of up to £1 million, you’ll also maintain a hands-on approach to underwriting complex cases. What you’ll do: As a Lending Support Manager, you will: • Lead and motivate a team of four Lending Support Officers to achieve excellent customer and business outcomes. • Manage day-to-day work levels and ensure service levels are met, collaborating with other managers within the department. • Support changes to processes and policies, ensuring they are effectively embedded within the team. • Provide specialist technical advice to colleagues and customers on underwriting and lending matters. • Oversee training and development for the Lending Support Officers, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and promoting continuous improvement. • Develop and deliver management information, including lending performance, service levels, and quality oversight. • Lead projects and process improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry best practices. • Maintain a strong control environment for credit, conduct, and fraud, ensuring risks are appropriately managed. • Act as a stakeholder manager, working collaboratively with teams across the Society to implement changes and improvements. We’re looking for people who: • Have at least 1 year of experience managing an underwriting team, with a track record of leading and motivating others. • Are confident in driving change, adapting policies, and implementing improvements that benefit both customers and the business. • Have a strong understanding of mortgage underwriting policies and regulatory requirements. • Possess excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work collaboratively across departments. • Demonstrate strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to present clear and well-justified recommendations. • Thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities effectively. Why Join Our Team? At our core, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our employees are compensated fairly for the valuable contributions they make, while also offering a comprehensive array of benefits to bolster both financial stability and overall well-being. Darlington Building Society is more than just a workplace; it’s a community where individuals are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table. We have a Passion for Talent and are committed to nurturing skills, knowledge, and providing opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization. Through our Leadership Development Programs, we support our colleagues in developing the skills needed to lead confidently and effectively. Our strong focus on well-being extends beyond standard benefits, offering well-being forums and support groups to ensure that every team member feels heard, supported, and connected. With our learning and development programs, we equip you with the tools and support necessary to excel in your career journey. What we can offer you: • Annual Bonus Scheme • Performance Linked pay progression • 10% Employee Contribution Pension Scheme • 4 x Annual Salary Life Cover • Minimum of 2 days for volunteering • Employee benefits platform • Health Care Cash Plan • Enhanced Family Friendly Leave Entitlements PLUS MANY MORE!!! To find out more information please look at our Careers page About our Society: Darlington Building Society is an award-winning organisation, and our vision is to be a thriving, independent regional building society that creates a feeling of pride amongst its staff, members, and community. At Darlington Building Society we pride ourselves on making a difference to our customers by encouraging saving, supporting home ownership, and sharing our knowledge and resources with our local communities. We have 9 branches from Stockton to Northallerton, via Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Yarm. Our head office is based in Darlington along with our High Row Branch. Job Information Location: Darlington, Hybrid working available (must be able to attend Head Office – Min two days a week) Job Type: Full Time, Permanent (flexible working considered) Salary: £45,116.70