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- Tasks: Lead underwriting for commercial mortgages and shape a new division from the ground up.
- Company: Join a specialist lender launching an exciting new phase in commercial mortgages.
- Benefits: Earn up to £100,000 plus benefits, with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Be part of a small, ambitious team where your expertise directly impacts success.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial mortgages is essential; ideal for Senior Underwriters ready to advance.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on customer service and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 100000 £ per year.
Job Title: Head of Underwriting – Commercial Mortgages
Location: London
Salary: Up to £100,000 depending on experience, plus benefits
About the position of Head of Underwriting – Commercial Mortgages:
We're working with a specialist lender entering an exciting new phase with the launch of their Commercial Mortgages division. We we're looking for a Head of Underwriting to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
Joining at an early stage, you'll be hands-on from day one, underwriting cases while helping to lay the foundation for a function that's set to grow. This is a unique chance to be part of a small, agile team with big ambitions, where your expertise will directly influence the success and direction of the commercial lending strategy.
We welcome applications from experienced Heads of Underwriting, as well as ambitious Senior Underwriters ready to take the next step in their career. You'll bring strong credit skills, a proactive mindset, and a desire to contribute beyond a typical underwriting role as the department scales. If you're looking for influence, visibility, and the chance to grow with a business, this role offers exactly that.
Responsibilities required for the role of Head of Underwriting – Commercial Mortgages:
- Underwrite mortgage applications pragmatically within delegated authority.
- Assess credit reports, financials, bank statements, and valuations to support sound lending decisions.
- Balance risk and flexibility to maintain low arrears and losses in a specialist lending environment.
- Escalate out-of-policy cases with clear rationale and engage key stakeholders in Group Risk.
- Ensure strong AML and customer due diligence practices are followed.
- Maintain high accuracy across documentation and data entry.
- Respond promptly to internal and external queries, upholding service standards.
- Communicate decisions clearly to brokers and build strong working relationships.
- Manage a pipeline of cases through to formal offer, meeting agreed SLAs.
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to process improvements as the team scales.
Experience required for the role of Head of Underwriting – Commercial Mortgages:
- Experience in commercial mortgages is essential
- Experienced Senior Underwriter looking for the next step. We can also consider experienced 'Heads of'
- Strong risk awareness paired with balanced judgment.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service with a customer-centric approach.
- Adaptable and flexible in achieving delivery goals.
- Skilled in management and collaboration.
- Effective communication skills.
- Adaptable to new products and emerging markets.
- A dedicated team player.
For more information regarding the role of Head of Underwriting – Commercial Mortgages , please get in touch with 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 contacts within two business days.
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Head of Underwriting (London) employer: Stellar Select
Contact Detail:
Stellar Select Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting (London)
✨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 will help you stand out during discussions and interviews, showcasing your proactive mindset.
✨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 strong credit skills and decision-making abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with StudySmarter's values and culture. Understanding our mission and how you can contribute to our growth will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the Head of Underwriting position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial mortgages and underwriting. Emphasise your credit skills, risk awareness, and any leadership roles you've held to demonstrate your suitability for the Head of Underwriting position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, and express your eagerness to contribute to the growth of the new Commercial Mortgages division.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of your past successes in underwriting and risk management. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements, such as reduced arrears rates or improved service standards.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the underwriting field.
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 Proactive Mindset
The role requires a proactive approach, so share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous positions. Discuss any process improvements you've implemented or how you've contributed beyond typical underwriting duties, showcasing your ambition and readiness for leadership.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex underwriting decisions. Be ready to explain your rationale for certain decisions and how you would communicate these to brokers and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
As the Head of Underwriting, you'll need to work closely with cross-functional teams. Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with others, how you've managed relationships, and any successful projects that required teamwork. This will show your ability to contribute to a growing team.
