Deputy Head of Credit | Manchester, UK

Excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial/Corporate Credit Underwriter to play a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the Credit function for a dynamic commercial banking institution. This is a leadership position that requires a strategic mindset, strong risk management expertise, and the ability to deputise for the Head of Credit when necessary. The successful candidate will ensure that lending activities are conducted with sound commercial judgment, robust risk controls, and a customer-centric approach - all while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Credit Risk Strategy & Governance
  • Implement and uphold the bank’s credit lending strategy in alignment with Board risk appetite, policies, and corporate governance.
  • Promote a culture of integrity, professionalism, and ethical decision-making within the Credit Risk function.
  • Ensure lending practices adhere to industry best practices, regulatory requirements (including PRA/FCA guidelines), and statutory obligations such as AML, affordability assessments, and data protection.
  • Exercise delegated credit sanctioning authority with diligence, ensuring comprehensive risk assessments, clear recommendations, and well-documented justifications for decisions.
  • Prepare and present credit papers for high-value or complex transactions requiring Credit Committee approval.
  • Conduct periodic reviews of existing facilities, assessing payment behaviour, financial health, market conditions, and security coverage to recommend adjustments to credit ratings or exposure limits.
• Operational & Compliance Oversight
  • Validate that all credit approvals meet sanctioning conditions before disbursement, ensuring proper documentation, security perfection, and compliance with internal controls.
  • Monitor early warning indicators and default cases, collaborating with recovery teams, legal advisors, and committees to maximise recoveries where necessary.
  • Liaise with sales, distribution teams, and key stakeholders to optimise customer experience while maintaining risk discipline.
  • Act as a trusted deputy to the Head of Credit, representing the function in senior forums and contributing to strategic discussions.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal teams, regulators, and external partners to support business objectives while safeguarding risk standards.
  • Engage in continuous professional development to stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks.

Candidate Profile: Skills & Experience

• Experience: Demonstrable background in Commercial/Corporate Credit or Underwriting within a Banking or Commercial Lending environment, including financial statement analysis and risk assessment.
• Mandate Authority: Proven track record of operating within a sanctioning structure and holding a delegated authority.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of banking regulations, risk appetite frameworks, and conduct risk principles to ensure fair customer outcomes.
• Personal Attributes: Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable with a strong work ethic. Exceptional analytical and commercial judgment. Strong communicator, capable of influencing stakeholders and presenting complex cases clearly. Ability to inspire trust, mentor colleagues, and contribute to team development. Skilled at building relationships across functions and engaging effectively with senior management and committees. Ability to prioritise multiple tasks, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail.