At a Glance
- Tasks: As an Underwriter, assess and approve mortgage applications while ensuring compliance with lending policies.
- Company: Join Kensington Mortgages, a leader in specialist mortgage solutions for over 25 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully remote role with a supportive work environment and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping customers secure mortgages when others can't; be part of a diverse team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as an Underwriter with a £200k mandate; strong communication and integrity are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working culture; inclusive and neurodiversity-friendly employer.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
** We're Hiring: Mortgage Underwriter **
Location: Fully Remote (Including all training)
Type: Full Time, permanent
Reports to: Underwriting Team Manager
Salary – Competitive
Start Date – 29th September 2025
We're currently looking for experienced and motivated Underwriers to join our Lending Operations team.
This role is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your impact at Kensington, working at the heart of our underwriting function and supporting our vision of delivering responsible and specialist lending with integrity.
About Us
At Kensington Mortgages, we've been leading the way in providing specialist mortgage solutions for over 25 years.
We're dedicated to offering people a chance to secure a mortgage, especially when high street lenders say no. Our approach is all about understanding the unique circumstances of our customers – It is what we call the `Kensington Difference.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank UK PLC we are proud to operate with the highest standards of service and integrity, fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority
Overall Purpose of Job
As an Underwriter, you will assess and approve Residential and Buy-to-Let mortgage applications, ensuring they meet our lending policy, TCF principles, and FCA standards.
You'll play a key role in risk-based decision making, maintaining high-quality underwriting standards and excellent broker communication.
Key Accountabilities
- Underwrite and approve Residential and Buy to Let mortgage applications in accordance with the lending policy and within authorised mandate whilst adhering to all quality and service measures.
- Recommend any cases outside mandate to the management team and ensure all cases hold a robust documented rationale for the lending decision.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with brokers, providing timely updates and clear communications throughout.
- Support Operations in ongoing User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phases .
- Ensure all actions and communications are in line with Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) and responsible lending principles
- Work in partnership with the completions team to drive productivity through efficient and cohesive operations
- Uphold the company's Code of Business Ethics and fulfil responsibilities related to the prevention of financial crime, including money laundering, and fraud detection/reporting
- Stay informed of changes to HR policies, external regulations, lending criteria and underwriting standards to support responsible lending decisions
- Meet Service level agreements (SLA)
- Ensure that all complaints are handled in line with the Complaints Handling Procedures. Identify improvements to performance and the process, working with managers and other areas of the business.
- Undertake adhoc project work as directed by Underwriting Technical Manager or Head of Lending. Flexibility to assist the wider business as and when required
Experience, Knowledge, Skills
- Experience in Prime and Specialist lending as an Underwriter holding a mandate of £200k minimum for a minimum of** 3 years.**
- Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage effectively with brokers on application discussions
- Committed to acting with integrity and aligned with the principles of treating customers fairly.
- In-depth knowledge of the mortgage intermediary market and familiarity with relevant FCA permissions
- Strong awareness of organised fraud and the systems and controls in place to mitigate such risks
- A proactive, hardworking and adaptable individual who can work independently while contributing positively as part of a team
- Demonstrate a full understanding of responsible lending and regulatory knowledge applicable to the role. Able to prioritise effectively to manage multiple underwriting functions
Desirable Experience, Knowledge, Skills
- Experience with Niche Buy to Let Lending, including HMOs, Light refurbishment and Multi Unit properties.
- Understanding of Second Charge lending
- CeMAP qualified
Why Join Kensington Mortgages
At Kensington Mortgages, we believe our employees are the heart of our success. We are committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment that values personal growth, professional development and a healthy work-life balance
Our inclusive culture respects and celebrates diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, valued and understood. We recognise and appreciate differences in thinking, learning styles, gender, race, identity, ethnic origins and sexual expression.
We are an inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly employer committed to creating a supportive environment where all employees can thrive
Ready to make a difference?
If you're passionate about providing an exceptional service and want to join a team that values your contributions we'd love to hear from you!
Apply today and be part of the Kensington Mortgages family and help us to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our customers.
Important Information
Please note, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS), credit and Right to work checks.
You must be able to commit to the start date of Monday 29th September and we ask no long periods of annual leave with the first few weeks of training
Underwriter employer: Kensington Mortgage Company
Contact Detail:
Kensington Mortgage Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Kensington Mortgages' unique approach to lending, known as the 'Kensington Difference'. Understanding their commitment to responsible lending will help you align your answers during interviews with their core values.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of the mortgage intermediary market and FCA regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Prime and Specialist lending, especially any cases where you've successfully navigated complex underwriting scenarios. Real-life examples will showcase your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Kensington Mortgages if possible. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the company culture and expectations, which can be advantageous during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in underwriting, especially in Prime and Specialist lending. Include specific examples of your decision-making process and any mandates you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of Kensington Mortgages' values, particularly their commitment to responsible lending and treating customers fairly. Share your passion for the role and how your skills align with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships with brokers. Mention your knowledge of the mortgage intermediary market and any experience with niche lending, as this is desirable for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in underwriting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington Mortgage Company
✨Know Your Underwriting Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mortgage underwriting principles, especially those related to responsible lending and the FCA standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with brokers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, particularly in challenging situations, to showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Kensington's Values
Research Kensington Mortgages and their unique approach to lending. Understanding their commitment to treating customers fairly and their focus on integrity will help you align your answers with their company culture during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills in underwriting scenarios. Think of past experiences where you had to make tough calls or manage risks, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.