Senior Mortgage Underwriter

Overview

The Underwriting department supports the Bank by assessing the risk of lending and protecting the Bank against this risk and losses. With strong market knowledge, diagnostic approach and ability to give dependable decisions, the team take a common sense approach to manual underwriting.

What you will be doing

As Senior Underwriter you will be working within the Bridging team and will progress mortgage applications, within the assigned mandate level, through to mortgage offer and completion in line with the Bank\’s operating policies and procedures.

The role requires a combination of technical knowledge, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with various teams.

Key responsibilities

• Reviewing and Issuing Terms: Quickly assessing and issuing terms for agreement in principle requests from intermediaries.
• Underwriting Applications: Reviewing mortgage applications, taking a risk-based approach to ensure they align with company policy and criteria, offering loans within the assigned mandate level.
• Handling Out-of-Policy Cases: For applications outside normal policies or your approved mandate, providing recommendations for escalation.
• Communication: Regular interaction with intermediaries and solicitors, both over the phone and in writing.
• Collaboration: Understanding time-sensitive customer needs and collaborating with sales teams to meet them.
• Policy and Process Implementation: Assisting management in making sure internal policies and processes are properly followed.
• Coaching Team Members: Offering guidance and training to newer or less experienced colleagues.
• Managing Escalations: Dealing with difficult queries or complex situations and helping resolve them, while also training team members.
• Identifying and Escalating Potential Fraudulent Activity: recognising red flags and inconsistencies that might indicate fraudulent behaviour, adhering to company processes for escalating concerns and reporting.

What\\\’s in it for you?

We offer a base salary dependent on experience of between £41,000 – £44,000 and a competitive benefits package including:

• Enhanced family-focused benefits
• Hybrid-working
• Annual bonus opportunity

Please use this link to see the fantastic benefits available at OSB: OSB Careers

About us

At OSB Group, we understand how much our people bring to our organisation, which is why we try our best to give back too! Our Purpose is to help our customers, colleagues and communities prosper and we are on a transformation journey to become \’the bank of the future\’.

Our commitment to professional development, flexible working, and employee well-being fosters a dynamic and supportive workplace.

Do you have the skills?

We are looking for talented individuals who have the experience and qualifications set out below:

• Three years of mandated mortgage underwriting experience within a UK financial operation (including portfolio lending and/or specialist buy to let and/or credit repair/subprime and/or bridging and/or bespoke priced residential loans).
• Strong knowledge of the Data Protection Act, Anti-Money Laundering, MCOBS and MMR.
• Detailed knowledge of the FCA/PRA regulations regarding residential mortgages.

Next steps

We believe in a personalised and inclusive approach, ensuring the process is relevant and conversational. If you need any adjustments or support, we\\\’re here to make sure you can show your best self.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Not sure if you meet all the criteria? Let us decide. Studies show that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often feel they need to meet 100% of the criteria before applying. At OSB, we value the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings. We\\\’re committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to apply – even if you don\\\’t check every box.

We actively promote diversity at all levels, with Board-level Diversity Champions monitoring our progress. We\\\’re proud to be signatories of the Women in Finance Charter, supporting the growth of senior women in our sector. Our commitment extends to treating all employees and applicants equitably, ensuring fairness and respect for all.