At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead underwriting for commercial mortgages while shaping a new division.
- Company: Join a specialist lender launching an exciting new Commercial Mortgages division.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000 plus benefits and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for Senior Underwriters ready to step up; hands-on role from day one.
- Why this job: Be part of a small, ambitious team where your expertise directly impacts success.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial mortgages; strong credit skills and customer service focus required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Title: Head of Underwriting
Location: Buckinghamshire Hybrid 3 days a week, 2 days working from home
- Up to 25 days holiday
- Contributory pension scheme (up to 10% employer contributions)
- BUPA Health Cash Plan
- Training and development opportunities
- Staff recognition awards
About our Client and the role of Head of Underwriting:
Our client, a well-established building society, is seeking a Head of Underwriting to lead its Mortgage Underwriting team. Reporting to the Head of Operations, the successful candidate will ensure high standards of customer care and service levels while maintaining a strong risk management framework in a highly regulated environment.
The role requires expertise in manual underwriting, the ability to assess complex mortgage cases, and a proactive approach to process improvement.
The role also involves leading a team of experienced underwriters, bringing structure and efficiency to operations, and driving transformation initiatives, including updates to the society's underwriting platform. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for stakeholder management, including presenting cases to internal committees and board members.
Responsibilities for the role of Head of Underwriting:
- Manage and maintain the integrity of the mortgage book in line with lending mandates and policy.
- Act as a subject matter expert in specialist underwriting for the building society's niche products.
- Assess and approve complex mortgage applications outside standard lending policy.
- Lead and support a team of five experienced underwriters, ensuring productivity and performance.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings to provide structure and development within the team.
- Drive operational transformation, including platform updates and process improvements.
- Engage and support the team in managing changes to underwriting processes.
- Communicate effectively with brokers and intermediaries, providing feedback on declined cases.
- Ensure prudent lending decisions align with the building society's risk appetite.
- Represent the building society as an active member of the credit committee.
- Confidently present cases to executive committees and board members.
- Oversee regular audits and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Experience required for the role of Head of Underwriting:
- Experience leading an underwriting team, ideally within a manual underwriting environment.
- Significant experience in mortgage underwriting, including residential and Buy-to-Let lending.
- Experience working with brokers, intermediaries, and packagers.
- Strong analytical skills and risk assessment expertise.
- Experience with ProVision (Desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proven ability to drive operational improvements and challenge existing processes.
For more information regarding the role of Head of Underwriting, please contact us.
Stellar Select is acting as an employment agency and is a corporate member of the REC.
Due to a high volume of applications, we will only contact you if your application has been successful. We aim to contact all successful candidates within two business days.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Finance
Head of Underwriting employer: Stellar Select
As a specialist lender launching its Commercial Mortgages division, this company offers an exceptional opportunity for the Head of Underwriting to make a significant impact from the outset. Located in London, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. With a focus on professional growth and the chance to shape the future of the lending strategy, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the commercial mortgage sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in commercial mortgages and underwriting practices. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and innovations will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous underwriting experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've balanced risk and flexibility in past roles, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Head of Underwriting position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any experience you have in managing teams or projects. This role requires collaboration and management, so emphasising your ability to lead will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial mortgages and underwriting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strong credit skills and proactive mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for shaping the future of the Commercial Mortgages division. Mention how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:In your application, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles. For instance, mention how you successfully managed a pipeline of cases or improved service standards in your past positions.
Prepare for Potential Questions:Anticipate questions related to risk management and customer service. Be ready to discuss how you balance risk and flexibility in lending decisions, as well as your approach to building relationships with brokers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stellar Select
✨Showcase Your Underwriting Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in commercial mortgages in detail. Highlight specific cases you've underwritten, the challenges you faced, and how you balanced risk with flexibility. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and ability to make sound lending decisions.
✨Emphasise Your Customer-Centric Approach
Since the role requires a commitment to exceptional customer service, be ready to share examples of how you've prioritised client needs in your previous roles. Discuss how you’ve built strong relationships with brokers and clients, as this is crucial for success in the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Skills
The job involves working with cross-functional teams, so highlight your experience in collaboration. Share instances where you’ve worked with other departments to improve processes or resolve issues, showcasing your ability to contribute beyond typical underwriting responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgment and decision-making skills in various underwriting scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with out-of-policy cases or complex applications, as this will illustrate your risk awareness and balanced judgment.
