At a Glance
- Tasks: As an 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 flexible working, personal growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a team that values integrity, diversity, and making a positive impact on customers' lives.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of underwriting experience with a minimum mandate of £200k; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: All offers are subject to background checks; must commit to the start date of 29th September.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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
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Underwriter employer: Kensington Mortgages
Contact Detail:
Kensington Mortgages 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 and demonstrate that you share their 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 show that you're proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Prime and Specialist lending, particularly any cases where you've had to make tough underwriting decisions. Real-life examples will illustrate your expertise and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Kensington Mortgages if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach 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. Emphasise your mandate experience and any specific achievements that align with the role at Kensington Mortgages.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for responsible lending and your understanding of the mortgage intermediary market. Mention how your values align with Kensington's commitment to integrity and treating customers fairly.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your communication skills and ability to build relationships with brokers. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple underwriting functions and adhered to quality standards.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any relevant qualifications, such as CeMAP, and your commitment to staying informed about changes in regulations and lending criteria. This demonstrates your proactive approach and dedication to professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington Mortgages
✨Know Your Underwriting Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mortgage underwriting principles, especially those related to Residential and Buy-to-Let applications. Understanding the lending policy and FCA standards will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves building 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.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex cases or challenges in your previous underwriting experience. Highlight your ability to make risk-based decisions while adhering to quality standards and TCF principles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company Culture
Research Kensington Mortgages and their commitment to responsible lending and customer service. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, particularly regarding integrity and treating customers fairly.