At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of Underwriters in a dynamic credit function.
- Company: Join Northreach, a vibrant recruitment agency in the financial services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with significant influence over business direction.
- Why this job: Shape the future of lending strategy and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in Asset Finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Northreach is a dynamic recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent in financial services, fintech, and digital sectors. We specialize in providing a seamless recruitment experience for clients and candidates, fostering innovation and professional growth.
Northreach is partnering with a highly respected and rapidly growing UK lender to recruit a Head of Credit within its Asset Finance division. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced credit leader to take ownership of a high-performing underwriting function, leading a team responsible for supporting SME businesses across the UK with funding solutions that enable growth and investment.
The Opportunity
As Head of Credit, you will lead, mentor and develop a team of Underwriters, driving consistency, quality and efficiency across the credit function. You will act as a senior decision-maker for complex lending proposals, work closely with Sales and Operations stakeholders, and contribute towards the ongoing development of credit policy, governance frameworks and risk appetite. This role offers significant visibility across the business and the opportunity to influence the future direction of a growing lending operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Credit Underwriters.
- Oversee underwriting quality, consistency and adherence to credit policy.
- Act as a senior sanctioner for larger and more complex transactions.
- Support the development and implementation of credit strategy and risk appetite.
- Monitor portfolio performance and identify emerging credit trends.
- Drive continuous improvement across underwriting processes, controls and decision-making frameworks.
- Work closely with Sales teams to structure commercially viable lending solutions.
- Ensure lending decisions balance growth objectives with prudent risk management.
- Produce and present portfolio and credit performance MI to senior stakeholders.
- Support governance, audit and regulatory requirements across the credit function.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and customer focus.
About You
- Significant experience within Asset Finance.
- Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing underwriting teams.
- Strong credit risk and financial analysis capabilities.
- Experience operating with delegated lending authority.
- A proven track record of making sound commercial lending decisions.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong understanding of credit policy, governance and risk management principles.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to lead an established and growing credit function.
- Significant influence over lending strategy and decision-making.
- Work for a highly regarded lender with ambitious growth plans.
- Strong leadership team and collaborative culture.
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
- Genuine opportunity to shape the future of the business.
Apply
If you're an experienced Credit Manager, Head of Underwriting, Senior Credit Risk Manager, Head of Credit, or Senior Asset Finance Underwriter looking for your next leadership opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Credit in Manchester employer: Northreach
Northreach is an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and innovation within the financial services sector. As the Head of Credit, you will be part of a collaborative culture that values accountability and customer focus, while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. This role not only offers significant influence over lending strategy but also provides the opportunity to lead a high-performing team in a rapidly growing UK lender, making a meaningful impact on SME businesses across the country.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Credit in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Northreach. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Credit in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Northreach.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Northreach's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northreach
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Northreach.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Northreach will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Northreach employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
