Head of Credit - Bridging Finance in Solihull

Head of Credit - Bridging Finance in Solihull

Solihull Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Paragon Banking Group PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead credit strategy, develop teams, and manage risk in a flexible, inclusive environment.
  • Company: Award-winning UK bank committed to growth and customer outcomes.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, share save scheme, profit-related pay, and family-friendly policies.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with 2-3 days in the office and excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on credit strategy while mentoring a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: 8-15+ years in bridging finance credit-risk leadership with proven team development skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

A Platinum Investors in People employer and an award‑winning UK bank is seeking a Head of Credit to lead credit strategy, develop teams and manage risk. The role will operate in a flexible, inclusive environment focused on growth, sustainability and customer outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Lead credit strategy and team development – design and implement the bridging credit and underwriting strategy, mentor, and scale a high‑performing team aligned to business objectives.
  • Own credit risk framework and portfolio oversight – take full ownership of credit risk policies, governance, and decision‑making, ensuring consistent underwriting quality and regular portfolio performance reviews.
  • Drive underwriting excellence and operational efficiency – ensure processes are efficient, scalable and customer‑focused while maintaining strong turnaround times and continuously improving systems and automation.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and governance – maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, manage audits and stakeholders, and uphold a strong control environment.
  • Lead analytics, reporting and cross‑functional collaboration – oversee credit models, reporting and performance analysis, partnering with Commercial, Product, Finance and Compliance teams to balance risk, growth and innovation.

About You

  • We are looking for an experienced professional who has 8‑15+ years of bridging finance credit‑risk, underwriting or financial‑risk leadership experience with a strong understanding of lending dynamics.
  • Has proven leadership capability – demonstrated success in leading and developing underwriting teams or credit functions, driving high performance and technical excellence.
  • Has deep bridging finance expertise – strong background in bridging lending, with the ability to assess complex deals and navigate nuanced risk scenarios.
  • Possesses a strategic and commercial mindset – a track record of developing and executing credit strategies that support sustainable, profitable growth while managing risk effectively.
  • Has a strong academic and professional foundation (desirable) – degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Mathematics or related field, with professional certifications such as CICM, CFA or FRM considered advantageous.

Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

  • Generous Holiday Allowance – starting from 27 days and climbing to 30, plus a day off for your birthday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; you can also buy or sell up to a week’s leave.
  • Share Save Scheme – opportunity to buy shares in Paragon at a discounted rate.
  • Profit‑Related Pay – share in annual profit with eligible employees.
  • Pension Plan – contribution up to 10% of annual salary.
  • Family‑Friendly Policies – enhanced parental pay and paid time off for fertility treatment.
  • Employee Discounts – exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, shopping, motoring and more.
  • Volunteering Day – one day per year to support causes you care about.
  • Life Assurance and Personal Accident Cover.

Working Hours

Hybrid working 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday (2‑3 days in the office).

Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Employer, we want to ensure that our vacancies are accessible for everyone. If you have a disability, long‑term health condition or are neurodiverse and need us to adjust our recruitment process, please get in touch with our recruitment team.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not offer visa sponsorship.

Head of Credit - Bridging Finance in Solihull employer: Paragon Banking Group PLC

As an award-winning UK bank and a Platinum Investors in People employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment that prioritises growth, sustainability, and exceptional customer outcomes. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our generous benefits package, which includes a substantial holiday allowance, profit-related pay, and family-friendly policies, all designed to support your professional journey and personal well-being. Join us to lead innovative credit strategies while being part of a collaborative team that values your expertise and encourages meaningful contributions.

Paragon Banking Group PLC

Contact Details:

Paragon Banking Group PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Credit - Bridging Finance in Solihull

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 Paragon Banking Group PLC. 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 - Bridging Finance in Solihull

Credit Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Credit Risk Management
Underwriting Excellence
Regulatory Compliance
Analytical Skills
Performance Analysis

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 Paragon Banking Group PLC.

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 Paragon Banking Group PLC'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 Paragon Banking Group PLC

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 Paragon Banking Group PLC.

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 Paragon Banking Group PLC 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 Paragon Banking Group PLC 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.