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- Tasks: Lead complex export finance transactions and negotiate UKEF support.
- Company: Join UKEF’s dynamic Defence, Shipping and Space team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile international finance deals.
- Qualifications: Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Gain 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.
Please click on apply to learn more about the role, working for UK Export Finance and the benefits offered.
Senior Underwriter - Defence, Shipping & Space 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Defence, Shipping, and Space sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and show your interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UKEF’s recent transactions and understanding their impact. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role during your chat with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Underwriter, you'll need to structure deals effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UKEF team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter - Defence, Shipping & Space
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in managing complex transactions and any relevant work in the Defence, Shipping, or Space sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we do!
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 you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In this role, building strong relationships is key. Use your application to highlight instances where you've successfully collaborated with banks, exporters, or other stakeholders. We love seeing examples of teamwork and effective communication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Export Finance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key aspects of export finance, especially in the Defence, Shipping, and Space sectors. Brush up on recent transactions and be ready to discuss how they relate to UKEF’s goals. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Senior Underwriter, building strong relationships is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with banks, exporters, or other stakeholders in past roles. Highlight your ability to negotiate and structure deals effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to risk management and financial structuring. Think through your approach to complex transactions and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your understanding of the commercial landscape and how it impacts decision-making. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve made impactful decisions under pressure in previous roles, showcasing your ability to think critically and act decisively.