Underwriter - Commercial Banking in Cheshire, Chester

Are you an Underwriter looking to join one of the UK's most exciting challenger banks?

We're working exclusively with an award-winning, fast-growing commercial bank that has built an outstanding reputation for combining prudent lending with exceptional customer service. With ambitious growth plans, a strong balance sheet and a genuine commitment to investing in its people, this is an organisation where careers are built, not just jobs.

Due to continued growth, they're looking to appoint an Underwriter to join their Credit team in Chester. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience underwriting SME and commercial lending who is looking to develop their career within a high-calibre banking environment.

The Role

You'll be responsible for assessing commercial lending proposals, analysing financial information and making well-reasoned credit decisions in line with lending policy and risk appetite. Working closely with Relationship Managers and Credit colleagues, you'll help deliver excellent outcomes for customers while maintaining robust underwriting standards.

This is a varied role offering exposure to a broad range of SME and commercial lending transactions, providing an excellent platform to further develop your underwriting expertise and lending authority.

Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite SME and commercial lending applications.
• Analyse financial statements, management accounts, cashflow forecasts and supporting information.
• Prepare clear, concise credit papers and recommendations.
• Review risk, affordability, security and overall lending quality.
• Work collaboratively with Relationship Managers and wider Credit teams to deliver excellent customer outcomes.
• Maintain strong lending discipline whilst balancing commercial judgement.
• Support the ongoing monitoring and review of existing lending facilities where required.
• Ensure all lending complies with internal policy, regulatory requirements and the Bank's risk framework.

About You

You'll already have experience within commercial or SME lending and be looking to continue developing your career within a forward-thinking bank.

We're particularly keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Previous underwriting or credit assessment experience within Commercial or SME Banking.
• Experience analysing business financial accounts and assessing lending risk.
• Strong commercial judgement with excellent analytical skills.
• The ability to produce clear, balanced credit recommendations.
• A collaborative approach and excellent communication skills.
• Experience of working within a delegated lending mandate structure would be advantageous.
• Exposure to lending for rural or land-based businesses would be beneficial, although this is by no means essential.

What's on Offer?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly respected challenger bank that is genuinely investing in its people and future growth.

Alongside an excellent salary, you'll benefit from:

• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Share option scheme.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Weekly personal training sessions and wellbeing initiatives.
• Hybrid working (typically around 50% office based in Chester, with flexibility for the right person).
• Genuine opportunities for career progression and increased lending authority as you develop.
• A supportive, collaborative culture where high performers are recognised and rewarded.

If you're looking to take the next step in your commercial banking underwriting career with a progressive, high-quality lender that offers real long-term development, we'd love to hear from you.