Mortgage Underwriter

We are currently looking for experienced and motivated Underwriters 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.

At Kensington Mortgages, we have been leading the way in providing specialist mortgage solutions for over 25 years. We are 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 will 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 are passionate about providing an exceptional service and want to join a team that values your contributions, we would 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.