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- Tasks: Lead the credit function and shape processes for a fast-growing property lender.
- Company: Exciting new lender expanding into the UK property finance market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Join at an early stage and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in property finance with strong technical underwriting skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 190000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Head of Credit to join one of the most exciting new lenders entering the UK property finance market. This lender has an established and highly successful international presence, including a £1.8 billion property lending platform in Sydney, and is now expanding into London. Backed by significant institutional funding from major American banks, the business is positioned to rapidly become a major force within the UK specialist lending market. This is a rare opportunity to join a lender at an early stage and play a key role in shaping the credit function of a fast-growing specialist lender.
The Role
The Head of Credit will take responsibility for advising the Credit Committee and overseeing the full credit function across development and bridging finance transactions. This role will suit a highly technical credit professional with deep experience in development finance and bridging finance, who can operate at a senior strategic level while also maintaining strong involvement in complex deal structuring. Typical transactions will range up to £30m, with the capability to support significantly larger deals. The successful candidate will play a key role in building frameworks, shaping credit processes and supporting the growth of the lending platform as the UK business scales.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising the Credit Committee on all aspects of the credit function
- Leading the assessment and approval of development finance and bridging transactions
- Providing detailed credit analysis on complex lending structures
- Supporting the structuring of transactions alongside originations teams
- Reviewing and managing the existing loan portfolio, including restructures and potential defaults
- Establishing and refining credit frameworks, processes and underwriting standards
- Supporting the development of the UK lending platform as the business grows
- Working closely with originations to ensure efficient transaction flow
- Over time, building and managing a credit team
Candidate Profile
- 8–10+ years’ experience in property finance credit roles
- Strong experience in development finance and bridging finance
- Previous experience as a Head of Credit, Credit Director or senior credit professional
- Strong technical underwriting and structuring ability
- Experience sitting on or advising Credit Committees
- Experience managing complex transactions
- Strong understanding of commercial real estate lending
- A collaborative and respectful leadership style
Package
- Base Salary: £150,000 – £170,000 (depending on experience)
- Bonus: Discretionary
- Holiday: 25 days, increasing annually up to 30 days
- Pension: 5% employer contribution
- Private Medical: Bupa (cover for employee + 50% spouse cover)
- Death in Service: 4x salary
- Critical Illness Cover
- Working Pattern: 4 days in the office / 1 day from home
Head of Credit employer: KFS Recruitment
Contact Detail:
KFS Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Credit
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the property finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your deep experience in development and bridging finance. Share specific examples of complex transactions you've handled to demonstrate your technical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every lender is different, so take the time to understand their unique needs and challenges. When you apply through our website, customise your approach to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in shaping credit processes and frameworks.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After interviews or networking events, don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps build a positive rapport with potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Credit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Credit role. Highlight your experience in development and bridging finance, and don’t forget to showcase any previous leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past achievements in credit functions and how they align with what we’re looking for at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical underwriting and structuring abilities, make sure to highlight these skills in your application. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess and strategic thinking in complex deal structuring.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at KFS Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Credit, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of development and bridging finance. Brush up on key metrics and case studies relevant to complex transactions, especially those around £30m. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the lender's background and their expansion into the UK market. Familiarise yourself with their existing platforms and how they plan to scale. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions about credit analysis and deal structuring. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing complex transactions and how you've advised Credit Committees. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since the role involves building and managing a credit team, be ready to talk about your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and respect within teams, and how you plan to support the growth of the lending platform while maintaining strong relationships with originations teams.