At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing high-risk SME loans and shaping innovative finance strategies.
- Company: Join Innovate UK, a leader in supporting innovative businesses across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future economy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SME lending and a passion for innovation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 115000 £ per year.
Job Description
Deputy Director Credit Risk & Portfolio Management
£110,000 - £115,000 gross per annum + £10,000 per annum Specialist Allowance (Subject to Pay & Reward Policy)
UKRI Band H
Full Time
Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working)
Closing date: 5th October 2025
Job Overview
Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer you will have overall responsibility for and leadership of the Credit and Portfolio functions of Innovate UK Loans Ltd. Ensuring adherence to policy and process and implementation of best practice in treating customers fairly and lending responsibly.
Since the inception of the innovation loans product in 2017, over £230 million in innovation loans have been awarded to over 250 highly innovative companies. Portfolio companies cover the full spectrum of the future economy and are distributed across the UK.
In this role, you will be part of the Innovation Finance management team and will also be responsible for representing the activities of the Directorate in policy and funding discussions within internal and external stakeholders and the public. The role may also involve being a director and Board member of the Board of Innovate UK Loans Limited and an executive member of its Credit Committee.
Key Areas of Accountability:
· Lead a team of 10 credit and investment specialists and 8 debt portfolio management experts to build and manage a portfolio of high risk, SME loans with mezzanine / structured finance features and controls
· Operate a personal delegation for credit, investment and arrears, default and recovery decisions, operating a devolved delegation on behalf of the Chief Investment Officer as required
· Support the Heads of Function for Credit and Portfolio to systematise and codify precedent in Innovate UK’s approach to responsible lending and debt management, working within the spirit of the FCA’s Treating Customers Fairly framework
· Act as Innovate UK’s technical expert in credit and portfolio management, as part of the wider risk, assurance and governance architecture of the organisation – and provide similar support to UK Research and Innovation, as required
· Work as part of the senior leadership team of Innovate UK’s investment directorate in delivering within a product-oriented, customer-insight driven organisation
· Engage with the wider organisation and across Innovate UK’s Domains and Products and Services as part of the senior management team, contributing to the growth and development of the organisation.
About You
Essential Skills/Qualifications/Experience:
(S) – Assessed at shortlisting
(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview
· Demonstrating substantial equivalent experience in SME lending and/or investment decisioning in a fund, banking or alternative finance environment and experience in working with early stage, immature and innovating businesses would be beneficial (S&I)
· Experience in originating and maintaining a portfolio of SME loan assets as a (stretched-) senior and/or mezzanine/structured finance lender (S)
· Experience in a leadership capacity (I)
· Proven track record in building, maintaining and leading a high performing team across several technical disciplines through consensus-building, empowerment and coaching (I)
· Willingness and ability to flex mindset to deliver a portfolio which delivers on the innovation objectives and economic impact of the programme while achieving an overall balance of risk/reward consistent with the risk appetite established by Innovate UK (I)
· Experience of working with senior government stakeholders, developing and implementing policy initiatives in the context of Subsidy Control regulation and Managing Public Money contexts; and (I)
To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Please click here for more details on the Benefits of working for UKRI – UKRI
How to Apply
Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page.
Deputy Director Credit Risk & Portfolio Management employer: UK Research and Innovation
At Innovate UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Located in Swindon, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while offering competitive benefits such as a defined benefit pension scheme, generous annual leave, and employee discounts. Join us to lead a talented team in shaping the future economy through responsible lending and impactful investment strategies.
Contact Details:
UK Research and Innovation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Credit Risk & Portfolio Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and credit risk sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Familiarise yourself with Innovate UK’s mission and values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Deputy Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant achievements in managing portfolios or teams.
✨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 team at Innovate UK Loans Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Credit Risk & Portfolio Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Director role. Highlight your experience in SME lending and investment decision-making, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Be sure to mention your understanding of responsible lending and how you can contribute to our mission at Innovate UK Loans.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've built and maintained high-performing teams, and how you empower others to succeed. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Know Your Numbers
For a role like Deputy Director Credit Risk & Portfolio Management, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial metrics and risk assessment. Brush up on key performance indicators related to SME lending and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This position requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, particularly in high-pressure environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you empowered your team to overcome them.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the FCA’s Treating Customers Fairly framework and other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance while still driving innovation in lending practices.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be representing Innovate UK in discussions with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would engage with government bodies and other partners to further the organisation's objectives.
