Head of Underwriting

Head of Underwriting

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ultimate Banking

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Mortgage Underwriting Team and ensure high customer care standards.
  • Company: Specialist mortgage lender known for excellent customer service.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, pension up to 10%, and onsite parking.
  • Other info: Hybrid work options available; regular office presence required.
  • Why this job: Take on a leadership role in a dynamic environment with real impact.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in manual mortgage underwriting and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Are you seeking your next challenge within Mortgage Underwriting, working with an organisation that prides themselves on excellent customer service? We’re pleased to be working with our specialist mortgage lender client, as they seek a Head of Underwriting to join the organisation owing to retirement.

Reporting into the Head of Operations, this role holder will have responsibility for the Mortgage Underwriting Team, ensuring high customer care standards, mitigating risk, whilst operating in a highly regulated environment. You will also hold a personal mandate. The underwriting team underwrites all lending cases manually, which includes complex cases.

Duties of the Head of Underwriting:

  • Manage and maintain the integrity of the Mortgage book by leading within mandates and the lending policy.
  • Be the subject matter expert in specialist underwriting for niche products.
  • Assess complex mortgage applications when out of line of the lending policy.
  • Undertake control checks on the Underwriting team.
  • Ensure timely lending decisions are made within the agreed SLA’s.
  • Authorising lending cases within approved mandates.
  • Delivering a first class personalised service that includes keeping the customers or intermediaries informed of any delays.
  • Communicate with Brokers and intermediaries on declined cases and provide objective feedback as appropriate.
  • Be responsible for new product criteria assessment.
  • Lead, coach and mentor the Underwriting team.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess:

  • A wealth of experience in manual, mortgage underwriting.
  • Experience of leading a team of underwriters.
  • Experience of dealing with brokers, intermediaries and packagers.

In return you can expect a highly competitive salary as well as strong benefits which include generous bonus, pension up to 10% and onsite parking. Regular office presence (office is just to the north west of London) is required but there is the opportunity to work on a hybrid basis.

Head of Underwriting employer: Ultimate Banking

Join a dynamic and innovative mortgage lender in Glasgow, where you will be part of a collaborative and high-performing team dedicated to operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers excellent benefits, a hybrid work model, and opportunities to lead impactful projects that enhance customer service. This is not just a job; it's a chance to contribute to a rapidly growing business with ambitious plans for the future.

Ultimate Banking

Contact Details:

Ultimate Banking Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mortgage underwriting field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of niche products and complex cases. Be ready to showcase your expertise and how you can lead a team while maintaining high customer care standards. Practice common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values, especially those that prioritise excellent customer service. Check out our website for tailored job listings that match your skills and experience in mortgage underwriting.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting

Mortgage Underwriting
Team Leadership
Risk Mitigation
Regulatory Compliance
Complex Case Assessment
Control Checks
Customer Service Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Underwriting role. Highlight your experience in mortgage underwriting and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your experience with complex mortgage applications and team management. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!

Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Talk about how you've maintained high standards in previous roles and how you plan to bring that to our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ultimate Banking

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mortgage underwriting knowledge. Understand the latest trends, regulations, and niche products in the market. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Underwriting, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your coaching style and how you've improved team performance. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge.

Prepare for Complex Scenarios

Expect questions about handling complex mortgage applications and making tough lending decisions. Think of specific instances where you've navigated tricky situations and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.

Communicate Effectively

Since this role involves liaising with brokers and intermediaries, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked how you would handle communication in challenging situations, so have a few strategies in mind to showcase your customer service skills.