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- Tasks: As a Mortgage Underwriter, assess and approve mortgage applications while ensuring compliance with lending policies.
- Company: Kensington Mortgages has over 25 years of experience in providing specialist mortgage solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully remote role with a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a team that values integrity, personal growth, and making a positive impact on customers' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Underwriter with a minimum mandate of £200k and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly workplace that celebrates diversity.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
About Us
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'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 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.
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 8th September and we ask no long periods of annual leave with the first few weeks of training.
Contact Detail:
Kensington Mortgages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mortgage Underwriter - Maidenhead, SL63QQ
✨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
Network with current or former employees of Kensington Mortgages on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the mortgage industry, particularly those related to FCA standards. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your underwriting skills and decision-making abilities. Highlighting your familiarity with Prime and Specialist lending will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Mortgage Underwriter - Maidenhead, SL63QQ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in mortgage underwriting, especially any work with Prime and Specialist lending. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of Kensington Mortgages' values and mission. Emphasise your commitment to responsible lending and treating customers fairly, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your communication skills and ability to build relationships with brokers. Mention any experience you have with niche Buy to Let lending or knowledge of FCA regulations, as these will set you apart.
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 roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington Mortgages
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Kensington Mortgages and their approach to lending. Familiarise yourself with their values, especially the 'Kensington Difference', which focuses on understanding unique customer circumstances. This will help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Underwriting Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience as an Underwriter, particularly any cases where you've assessed Residential and Buy-to-Let mortgage applications. Highlight your decision-making process and how you ensure compliance with lending policies and FCA standards.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves maintaining relationships with brokers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially during application discussions or when providing updates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough underwriting decisions or manage multiple applications simultaneously, and be ready to explain your rationale.