Head of Secured Lending Ops Mobilisation

Build the Operational Engine Behind a New Lending Proposition - At Zempler, we're redefining how businesses access finance. As we expand our secured lending capability, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Secured Lending Operations Mobilisation to design, build and launch the operational foundations of our new Commercial Real Estate lending proposition. This is a unique opportunity to join at the very beginning of the journey and help create an operating model from the ground up. You'll play a critical leadership role in translating strategy into execution, ensuring our secured lending proposition launches with the processes, controls, technology, governance and service experience needed to scale successfully. This isn't a traditional operations leadership role. You'll be building something new.

The Opportunity Zempler is developing a dual-path Commercial Real Estate lending proposition designed to support businesses across a range of borrowing needs:

• Accelerated Lending Solution for standardised CRE transactions up to £2m, leveraging automation, decision intelligence and data-driven processing.
• Relationship-Led Structured Lending for larger and more complex lending requirements where specialist expertise and relationship management remain central.

As Head of Secured Lending Operations Mobilisation, you'll be responsible for ensuring both pathways are operationally robust, customer-focused, well controlled and launch-ready. You'll work across Product, Technology, Data, Decision Science, Underwriting, Risk, Financial Crime, Finance and Operations, creating an operating model that can move seamlessly from mobilisation into long-term business ownership.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and Launch the Operating Model: Lead the design, build, testing and implementation of the end-to-end secured lending operating model. Create operational processes, controls, service standards, governance frameworks and readiness plans. Ensure systems, suppliers, data flows, reporting, case management and customer journeys are fully prepared for launch. Define and deliver operational acceptance criteria and launch readiness evidence. Lead cutover planning, stabilisation activities and transition into BAU ownership.
• Build the Accelerated Lending Solution: Own the operational design required to support automated and technology-enabled lending journeys. Partner closely with Technology, Data, Decision Science and Credit teams to define workflows, controls and exception management processes. Design customer, broker and colleague journeys that balance speed, consistency and strong customer outcomes. Establish operational requirements across onboarding, data capture, decisioning, underwriting referrals, completion and servicing. Ensure operational controls support transparent, compliant and auditable lending decisions.
• Shape Future Lending Operations: Design operating models that support both automation-led and relationship-led lending pathways. Define operational hand-offs and responsibilities across multiple functions. Create scalable operational frameworks capable of supporting future growth. Support the development of service metrics, management information and performance reporting. Build operational processes that deliver excellent customer and broker experiences.
• Lead Readiness, Governance and Controls: Establish operational governance, risk management and control frameworks. Ensure clear management of exceptions, escalations and human intervention points. Define how automated journeys transition into manual review when required. Partner with Risk, Financial Crime and Compliance teams to ensure appropriate operational control environments. Support testing, validation and evidencing of operational effectiveness before launch. Support operational teams, suppliers and stakeholders through launch and post-launch activities. Identify and resolve operational issues quickly and effectively. Drive continuous improvement based on customer, broker and colleague feedback. Develop plans for capability growth and transition into long-term operational ownership.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a leader who combines operational excellence with the ability to build and mobilise new capabilities. You’ll likely bring:

• Significant experience leading lending, banking or financial services operations.
• Experience designing and implementing target operating models, transformations or large-scale change programmes.
• Strong understanding of secured lending, commercial lending or mortgage operations.
• Experience creating operational processes, controls and governance frameworks.
• A proven track record of delivering complex cross-functional programmes involving technology, risk and operational stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience working with third-party suppliers and technology partners.
• A pragmatic, hands-on approach with the ability to move between strategic planning and detailed execution.
• Experience in commercial real estate lending, challenger banking, specialist lending or lending transformation programmes would be highly advantageous.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Build a secured lending operation from the ground up.
• Help launch a new Commercial Real Estate proposition within a growing UK bank.
• Work at the intersection of lending, technology, data and operational transformation.
• Shape the future operating model for both automated and relationship-led lending journeys.
• Partner with senior leaders to influence key strategic decisions.
• Leave a lasting legacy by creating the foundations for long-term growth.

About Zempler

Formerly Cashplus Bank, Zempler is a British business bank focused on making financial services simpler, smarter and more accessible. We're combining innovative technology with human expertise to create better banking experiences for businesses across the UK. As we continue to grow, we're looking for ambitious people who want to help us challenge convention and build something meaningful.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Zempler, we know that diverse teams create better outcomes for our customers, colleagues and communities. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we'd encourage you to apply if you're excited about the opportunity. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you.