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- Tasks: Lead credit risk management and shape credit policy for a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Join LHV Bank, a forward-thinking UK-licensed bank with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, health plans, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on credit strategy while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in banking and credit leadership, especially with SME lending.
- Other info: Be part of a growing bank with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A well-established role in London and/or Manchester. The Director of Credit reports to the Chief Risk Officer with a hybrid working arrangement on offer. As a key part of the second line of defence, the role will contribute to the development of credit policy and strategy and shape how credit risk is managed in line with the Bank's long-term objectives. This position will chair the Credit Risk Committee.
All aspects of second line Credit Risk Management will be under the purview of the role holder, including:
- Advising governance bodies (including the Board Risk Committee) and actively overseeing the Bank's credit risk profile and its implementation of risk appetite.
- Maintaining sound underwriting processes and managing the assessment of credit applications.
- Ensuring that systems and operating procedures support lending, portfolio management, in-life management, credit stewardship and arrears management processes.
- Delivering appropriate measurement and management to keep credit risk within risk appetite and implementing all applicable second line credit risk management processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead and direct the Credit Risk Management (second line of defence) function.
- Chair the UK Credit Risk Committee, establishing a robust underwriting process, reviewing all loan propositions, managing portfolio risk, and overseeing the arrears management process when needed.
- Direct, develop and motivate the Credit Risk team to maintain and improve individual, functional and wider business objectives; embed the Bank's culture, values and intentions.
- Contribute to the Bank's risk appetite setting process and implement an effective Credit Policy and associated rules and procedures in line with strategy, risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare management reports concerning credit risk management activities, providing analyses and portfolio breakdowns with a forward-looking focus on emerging risks.
- Ensure that adequate credit controls and governance are maintained.
- Extensive experience structuring and approving property collateral backed SME lending facilities, including working capital, asset finance and term loans.
- In-depth understanding of SME business models, cash flow dynamics and sector-specific credit risks.
- Skilled in designing lending frameworks tailored to SME clients, balancing agility with prudent risk controls.
Credit Risk Leadership
- Strong command of credit risk policies, approval processes and portfolio performance management.
- Expertise in developing risk appetite statements and aligning them with regulatory and strategic priorities.
- Experience managing second line credit teams (including credit underwriting) and setting consistent credit standards.
Strategic and Operational Leadership
- Experience setting and executing strategic objectives for credit functions, including automation and process efficiency.
- Skilled in mentoring and developing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Effective board and committee presenter, able to convey risk trends and strategic recommendations clearly.
Required Experience
- Significant experience in banking or financial services within a property-backed SME Credit leadership role.
- Proven ability to enhance credit frameworks and the financial resilience of the credit portfolio, supporting sustainable portfolio growth.
About LHV Bank
LHV Bank Limited is a UK-licensed bank operating across three core business segments: Retail Banking, SME Lending, and Banking Services (BaaS). The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of LHV Group, a listed financial services provider headquartered in Estonia. LHV Bank operates under a full UK banking licence granted in May 2023.
Background and Benefits
- Competitive salary & progression
- Open and inclusive culture
- Hybrid working
- Fantastic offices and great working environment
- Vitality Health Plan (includes private health insurance, travel insurance, gym discounts)
- Medicash Health Plan (Level 3)
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Income protection insurance
- 28 days holiday plus 3 additional days, bank holidays & further days for various key life events
- Team socials
Director of Credit London, Manchester employer: LHV UK
Contact Detail:
LHV UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Credit London, Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking and finance sector, especially those who have experience in credit risk management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of credit policies and risk management strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would lead a team and implement effective credit frameworks. Show them you’re the right fit for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Director of Credit role. We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are keen on joining our team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Credit London, Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Credit role. Highlight your experience in credit risk management and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 achievements in credit risk and how they relate to our objectives at LHV Bank.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a director, we need someone who can lead and motivate a team. In your application, be sure to highlight your leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LHV UK
✨Know Your Credit Risk Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of credit risk management, especially in relation to SME lending. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped credit policies in the past and how you would approach the role at LHV Bank.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to lead and motivate your team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in previous roles, focusing on accountability and continuous improvement. Highlight your experience in chairing committees and presenting to boards.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with property-backed SME business models and their cash flow dynamics. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor lending frameworks to meet the needs of these clients while balancing risk controls.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would contribute to the bank's risk appetite setting process and implement effective credit policies. Be ready to share your insights on emerging risks and how you would prepare management reports that provide clear analyses and recommendations.
