At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead credit risk strategies and manage commercial customer portfolios for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join a diverse team at Ford Credit, committed to innovation and equality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on data-driven decision making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in commercial lending while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial credit risk and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Commercial Credit Risk Manager is responsible for developing FCE's approach to originating and managing credit risk for the commercial customer base, including sole traders, SMEs, multi-vehicle fleet customers, and commercial lines of credit, across the full credit lifecycle. The role designs and implements underwriting standards, loss prevention frameworks, and fraud controls tailored to commercial lending risk, supporting sustainable growth of the commercial book.
Responsibilities
- Credit Strategy & Underwriting
- Design and maintain underwriting policies, decisioning frameworks, and credit risk appetite for sole trader, SME, and fleet/multi-vehicle segments, including commercial line of credit limit-setting and utilisation management.
- Assess creditworthiness of commercial counterparties (business financials, cash flow, guarantors, external data); oversee complex credit proposals and Credit Committee participation.
- Portfolio Management & Analytics
- Monitor portfolio performance and KRIs/KPIs by commercial segment; identify emerging risks (sector concentration, fleet residual value/utilisation, small business defaults) and adjust strategy accordingly.
- Design loss mitigation, collections, and recovery approaches suited to commercial relationships.
- Deliver forecasting/scenario analysis and portfolio insights to senior management and governance committees.
- Wholesale (Dealer) Risk Oversight
- Oversee credit risk on Ford dealer wholesale/floorplan financing, including dealer credit line setting, renewal, and ongoing exposure monitoring.
- Monitor dealer financial health (stocking levels, inventory turn, curtailment triggers, out-of-trust risk) and escalate early warning indicators through established governance channels.
- Maintain oversight of dealer concentration risk and floorplan portfolio quality, incorporating dealer-level risk into broader commercial portfolio reporting and risk appetite metrics.
- Governance & Fraud Risk
- Maintain second line assurance and oversight of first-line commercial lending activity, including policy exceptions and controls.
- Implement fraud detection/prevention frameworks for commercial applications (e.g. business identity verification).
- Regulatory Credit Classification
- Ensure commercial and dealer wholesale exposures are correctly classified per EBA/PRA rules (default, forbearance, NPE), and lead the team's capability development in this area, working with Finance to align with IFRS 9 staging and regulatory reporting.
- Stakeholders & Regulatory
- Partner with marketing and sales, operations, data, and technology teams to scale digital and automated underwriting for commercial customers.
- Collaborate with Group Risk, Compliance, and control functions; contribute to ICAAP, stress testing, and capital planning for the commercial book.
- Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop the commercial credit risk team; build a strong risk culture and support the Bank's commercial growth strategy through data- and analytics-led decisioning.
Qualifications
Essential:
- First line commercial credit risk experience across sole traders, SMEs, and multi-vehicle/fleet customers.
- Track record developing underwriting guidelines and credit proposal assessments, including commercial lines of credit.
- Strong financial/credit analysis skills (business financials, cash flow, guarantor assessment, external research).
- Strong working knowledge of EBA and PRA credit risk classification requirements, including definition of default, forbearance, and non-performing exposure rules.
- Analytical, data-driven mindset; excellent communication skills with senior leaders, Board members, and stakeholders.
Desirable:
- SME/sole trader credit scoring or alternative data experience.
- Fleet/automotive financing and vehicle asset risk knowledge.
The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
This position is based in Dunton, and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.
Commercial Credit Risk Manager employer: Ford Motor
Ford Credit is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly in the dynamic landscape of AI-driven product operations. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities to shape impactful systems and processes within a supportive team environment. Located in Europe, this role offers the unique advantage of working at the forefront of technology while aligning with North American operations for a truly global impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Credit Risk Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ford Motor. 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 Commercial Credit Risk Manager
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 Ford Motor.
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 Ford Motor'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 Ford Motor
✨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 Ford Motor.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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 Ford Motor 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 Ford Motor 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.
