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- Tasks: Lead complex export finance transactions and manage a diverse portfolio.
- Company: Join UKEF’s dynamic Defence, Shipping and Space team within Aerospace & Defence Division.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive, diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile international deals in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Gain exceptional exposure across credit, legal, and international relations.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join UKEF’s Defence, Shipping and Space team, a central part of our Aerospace & Defence Division, delivering some of the UK Government’s most high‑profile and high‑value export finance transactions. The Defence, Shipping and Space team plays a central role in delivering its commercial activity, progressing export finance transactions from initial enquiry through to financial close.
The team works on a broad range of high‑value, high‑profile deals across the Defence, Shipping and Space sectors, including recent transactions in markets such as Ukraine and Poland, and operates within a friendly, supportive division that is strongly committed to diversity, staff empowerment, wellbeing and flexible working.
As a Senior Underwriter, you’ll take day‑to‑day responsibility for managing a portfolio of transactions from enquiry through to financial close. You’ll work across multiple cases in a fast‑paced, commercially driven international environment, shaping creative risk and financial structures alongside banks, exporters, lawyers and cross‑government stakeholders.
What you’ll do:
- Lead complex export finance transactions to successful close
- Structure and negotiate UKEF support in line with legislation, policy and international agreements
- Build strong relationships with senior banking and exporting partners
- Represent UKEF in the UK and overseas
You’ll gain exceptional exposure across credit, legal, pricing and international relations, with opportunities for professional development and potential people management. If you’re commercially astute, decisive under pressure, and motivated by impact — we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Underwriter - Defence, Shipping & Space in London employer: UK Export Finance
Contact Detail:
UK Export Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter - Defence, Shipping & Space in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Defence, Shipping, and Space sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about connecting on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching UKEF and its recent transactions. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the impact you can make. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in managing complex financial structures and building relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Senior Underwriter role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter - Defence, Shipping & Space in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in managing complex transactions and any exposure to the Defence, Shipping, or Space sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about export finance and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your ability to work under pressure and build strong relationships.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and decision-making skills. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our friendly and supportive division.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Export Finance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of export finance, especially within the Defence, Shipping, and Space sectors. Brush up on recent transactions, particularly those involving high-profile markets like Ukraine and Poland, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since building strong relationships with banking and exporting partners is key, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex negotiations or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you approach risk and financial structuring. Prepare to share your thought process on how you would structure UKEF support in line with legislation and policy, showcasing your ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, highlight your experience in managing multiple cases simultaneously. Share specific instances where you’ve thrived in a dynamic environment, demonstrating your ability to adapt and deliver results effectively.