At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the credit lifecycle for ambitious trading businesses and shape funding decisions.
- Company: Join OakNorth, a mission-driven bank empowering communities and businesses since 2015.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, personalised benefits, enhanced parental leave, and wellbeing events.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence and drive innovative banking solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on economic growth while developing your credit risk expertise.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in credit risk or corporate lending, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At OakNorth, we're on a mission to empower ambitious businesses and the communities they serve. Since 2015, we've lent over $21 billion across the UK and US, helped create more than 58,000 new homes and 36,000 new jobs, and supported hundreds of thousands of personal savers — all while driving economic growth in the markets we serve.
We need a credit professional ready to move the needle on how we lend to the UK's most ambitious trading businesses. As an Associate Director in Credit Risk, you're not just reviewing papers — you're the quality filter for growth. You'll sit at the intersection of our Debt Finance and Credit Analytics teams, shaping how we structure deals for trading businesses across multiple sectors, making sure every decision we make supports the safe growth of the bank’s balance sheet.
What you'll do
- From first credit paper to drawdown, you own the full deal lifecycle. Your analysis lands in front of Credit Committee, your voice shapes which businesses get funded, and your judgement is central to the bank supporting the right growing businesses.
- Central to the role is to challenge and collaborate with Debt Finance, Credit Analytics and senior members of the UK Credit team to produce high‑quality credit papers — pushing back when something doesn't stack up.
- Review FDD, financial accounts, and covenant models — and be able to explain and mitigate key risks, including proposing key terms and conditions.
- Write focused, incisive credit recommendations for Credit Committee: clear on risk, rationale for support, and proposed structural enhancements.
- Attend Credit Committee and question borrowers directly — you're not a silent reviewer.
- Oversee loan execution alongside Debt Finance and the Transaction Execution Team: security, documentation, conditions precedent, controls etc.
- Support Portfolio Management with in‑life increases, extensions, covenant resets and annual reviews.
- Assist in ad hoc team or bank initiatives and projects to help the bank scale and reach its ambitious growth targets, including increased adoption of AI as a key pillar.
What you'll bring
- Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant experience, of which at least 5 years should have been in a credit risk or corporate lending role. SME cash‑flow lending is core to what the team does, and experience across a range of sectors, loan types and sponsor and leveraged finance is a real advantage.
- Technical knowledge: Strong grasp of credit risk models (RWA, PD, LGD), working‑capital mechanics, covenant setting, and financial analysis.
How you work
You move fast, focus on what matters, and write with precision. You're tenacious but pragmatic, confident challenging deal teams, and strong enough to hold a position under scrutiny.
Nice to have
Real estate lending exposure (residential development, investment or commercial property) is welcome but not essential. What matters most is quality of credit thinking.
Benefits & Perks
- 25 days holiday
- Personalized benefits – opt‑in to what matters to you
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Wellbeing and social events
- In‑house Barista Bar in London office
- Support causes that matter to you – Volunteering time off
Associate Director | Credit - Trading Business employer: OakNorth Analytical Intelligence
At OakNorth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a collaborative work culture. As an Associate Director in Credit Risk, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment where your insights directly influence funding decisions for ambitious trading businesses, all while benefiting from generous holiday allowances, personalised perks, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Our London office fosters a vibrant atmosphere with unique amenities like an in-house Barista Bar, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
OakNorth Analytical Intelligence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director | Credit - Trading Business
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they empower businesses. Tailor your responses to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Associate Director in Credit Risk. Highlight your analytical skills and ability to challenge decisions confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director | Credit - Trading Business
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Credit Risk:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for credit risk shine through. We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at OakNorth.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward approach. Make sure your application is well-structured and to the point. Highlight your relevant experience and skills without waffling — we love precision!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Associate Director role. Show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for in a credit professional.
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 OakNorth Analytical Intelligence
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss credit risk models, cash-flow mechanics, and covenant settings in detail. OakNorth is looking for someone who can confidently navigate these areas, so having specific examples from your past experience will really help.
✨Prepare for the Committee
Since you'll be presenting to the Credit Committee, practice articulating your credit recommendations clearly and concisely. Think about how you would explain your rationale for supporting a business and be prepared to defend your position under scrutiny. This is your chance to showcase your analytical thinking!
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to challenge and collaborate with different teams. OakNorth values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked with Debt Finance or Credit Analytics in the past. Emphasise your experience in pushing back when necessary to ensure high-quality outcomes.
✨Stay Current on Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the trading business sector and how they impact credit risk. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting ambitious businesses effectively.
