Credit Risk Lead

Credit Risk Lead

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Harbour Energy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead credit risk strategy and oversee complex credit decisions to safeguard the company's balance sheet.
  • Company: Join a leading organisation committed to effective credit risk management and strategic governance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Other info: Inclusive recruitment process ensuring support for all candidates.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial decisions and influence senior leadership in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field with 10+ years of experience in credit risk management.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

  • Advertised Salary: Competitive
  • Onshore/Offshore: Onshore
  • Working arrangement: Full Time
  • Purpose of Role
  • The Lead Credit Risk Adviser is a senior authority within the Group Credit Risk function, accountable for enabling and embedding the strategic direction, governance and effectiveness of credit risk management across the organisation.
  • The role is responsible for safeguarding the company’s balance sheet through robust oversight and decision‑making in respect of counterparty risk, establishing and enforcing the Group Credit Risk framework and leading complex and high‑impact credit decisions.
  • Acting as a trusted and influential adviser to senior leadership, the Lead Adviser provides expert judgement, challenge and insight across commercial, trading, treasury and finance activities, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s risk appetite.
  • Critical Responsibilities (MAE/MATTE/HSES)
  • Ensure that all activities are carried out in a safe manner complying with all regulatory requirements, legislation and Harbour Energy HSEQ procedures.
  • Demonstrable safety leadership and thorough working knowledge and experience of behavioural safety techniques.
  • Conduct themselves at all times in accordance with Harbour Energy Values and Business Principles.
  • Areas of Accountability, Responsibility and Competence
  • Credit Risk Strategy & Leadership
  • Define and continuously evolve the Group Credit Risk strategy, framework and policies.
  • Set the risk appetite, limits framework and governance standards for counterparty exposure.
  • Act as escalation point for complex, high‑risk or sensitive credit decisions.
  • Lead and develop the Credit Risk function, including capability, structure and ways of working.
  • Provide strategic input into broader financial risk and capital protection decisions.
  • Train and develop junior team members, including graduates, as applicable.
  • Enterprise Credit Risk Oversight and Assessment
  • Recommend/approve credit limits, trading limits and security requirements in line with delegated authorities and Group risk appetite.
  • Lead the assessment of creditworthiness for new and existing counterparties, including customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and financial institutions.
  • Perform detailed credit analysis using financial statements, market intelligence, credit ratings and other quantitative and qualitative information as appropriate, exercising sound professional judgement when assessing higher‑risk or complex exposures.
  • Maintain oversight of Group‑wide counterparty exposures, concentration risk and emerging threats.
  • Ensure robust and consistent credit decision‑making across all business units.
  • Provide senior challenge on commercial proposals with material credit exposure.
  • Act as the primary Credit Risk interface to senior leadership (SVP/EVP level).
  • Influence decision‑making across Trading, Commercial, Treasury, Finance and Supply Chain.
  • Provide clear, insights‑driven reporting to senior management and governance forums.
  • Lead engagement in high‑stakes negotiations involving credit terms, security and risk allocation.
  • Governance, Framework & Controls
  • Own the Group Credit Risk framework, including policies, standards and delegated authorities, and ownership of continuous improvement of the framework.
  • Ensure effective governance over counterparty approvals and monitoring, credit limits and utilisation, security instruments (PCGs, Letters of Credit).
  • Oversee compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
  • Lead response to audit findings and ensure continuous strengthening of controls.
  • Portfolio Monitoring & Risk Management
  • Oversee portfolio‑level analysis, including stress testing, scenario modelling and trend assessment.
  • Ensure early identification and management of deteriorating or high‑risk exposures.
  • Direct mitigation strategies for material or systemic credit risks.
  • Accountable for maintaining oversight of data quality, systems and reporting integrity.
  • Continuous Improvement & Transformation
  • Lead initiatives to enhance credit risk processes, tools and systems.
  • Drive standardisation and efficiency across the Group.
  • Embed best practice credit risk disciplines across all relevant functions.
  • Sponsor innovation in data, analytics and reporting capability.

Critical Skills, Qualifications, Experience, etc.

  • Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related discipline.
  • Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in senior credit risk, financial risk or trading environments.
  • Deep expertise in counterparty credit assessment.
  • Deep expertise in financial analysis and risk evaluation.
  • Deep expertise in credit documentation (PCGs, Lo Cs, EFET, ISDA).
  • Proven ability to lead complex, high‑value credit decisions with material commercial impact.
  • Strong leadership capability, including developing teams and influencing at executive level.
  • Advanced analytical capability and strong commercial judgement.
  • High level of credibility, with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders effectively.

Inclusive recruitment is a vital part of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.

Whatever your background, if you feel you need an adjustment during our selection process to suit your needs, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.

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Credit Risk Lead employer: Harbour Energy

Harbour Energy is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. Located in a dynamic industry, we offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through your work in risk reporting and insights.

Harbour Energy

Contact Details:

Harbour Energy Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Credit Risk Lead

Credit Risk Management
Counterparty Risk Assessment
Financial Analysis
Risk Evaluation
Credit Documentation (PCGs, LoCs, EFET, ISDA)
Leadership and Team Development
Stakeholder Influence