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
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Head of Underwriting employer: Stellar Select
Stellar Select is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a hybrid work arrangement in the picturesque setting of Oxfordshire, employees benefit from a comprehensive healthcare cash plan, generous holiday allowance, and continuous development opportunities, making it a rewarding place to build a career in mortgage arrears management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting
✨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.
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Stellar Select. 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 Underwriting
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 Stellar Select.
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 Stellar Select'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 Stellar Select
✨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 Stellar Select.
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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 Stellar Select 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 Stellar Select 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.
