At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new underwriting capability for secured lending.
- Company: Join Zempler, a forward-thinking British business bank.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse teams welcome; we support applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial real estate lending and leave a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive underwriting experience and a passion for building new capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Help Build a New Secured Lending Capability from the Ground Up
At Zempler, we're entering an exciting new chapter as we build our Commercial Real Estate (CRE) secured lending proposition.
To support this growth, we're looking for an experienced Underwriting Mobilisation Lead to design, implement and embed the underwriting capability required to launch and scale a new secured lending business.
This is a unique opportunity for an underwriting leader who enjoys building rather than simply maintaining.
You'll work at the heart of a major mobilisation programme, designing underwriting frameworks, governance, controls, processes and future-state capabilities that will support the launch of a new Commercial Real Estate lending proposition.
By the end of the engagement, you will have helped create a fully functioning underwriting operation, transferred knowledge into permanent teams, and established the foundations for future growth.
The Opportunity
As Underwriting Mobilisation Lead, you'll be responsible for creating and embedding the underwriting capability required to support Zempler's entry into Commercial Real Estate lending.
Working closely with the Head of Secured Lending Mobilisation, Risk, Operations, Technology, Data and Decision Science teams, you'll help shape how underwriting operates today while influencing how it evolves in the future.
You’ll play a key role in developing both the initial manual underwriting model and the future automated underwriting capability that will support scalable growth.
This is a delivery-focused role where success will be measured through outcomes, capability creation and operational readiness rather than ongoing business-as-usual management.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Build the Underwriting Operating Model
- Design the target underwriting operating model for secured lending.
- Define roles, responsibilities, governance structures and decision-making authorities.
- Establish workflows, escalation routes and referral pathways.
- Create clear hand-offs across Origination, Credit, Operations, Risk and other key functions.
- Ensure the underwriting framework is scalable, controlled and customer-focused.
- Develop Underwriting Standards and Governance
- Design and implement underwriting frameworks and standards.
- Establish delegated lending authorities and governance structures.
- Create policy exception management processes and approval frameworks.
- Develop quality assurance, file review and control monitoring activities.
- Help ensure consistent, fair and well-governed underwriting outcomes.
- Support Mobilisation and Launch Readiness
- Document end-to-end underwriting procedures and guidance.
- Support testing, validation and operational readiness activities.
- Define launch acceptance criteria and go-live requirements.
- Ensure underwriting processes, controls and governance are embedded ahead of launch.
- Contribute to successful mobilisation and early portfolio growth.
- Shape Future Automated Underwriting Capability
- Work closely with Decision Science, Data and Technology teams to document decision rules, workflows and controls.
- Support the development of scalable decisioning capabilities.
- Help ensure appropriate governance, transparency and customer outcomes are built into future automation.
- Contribute to the long-term vision for secured lending at Zempler.
- Create MI, Controls and Management Frameworks
- Design underwriting management information and performance reporting.
- Establish governance packs and regular operating metrics.
- Create first-line control monitoring and oversight frameworks.
- Develop reporting that supports effective decision-making and portfolio management.
- Ensure leaders have meaningful insight into underwriting performance and quality.
- Build Capability for the Future
- Support recruitment and organisational design activities.
- Create training materials and onboarding resources.
- Coach and develop permanent team members.
- Transfer knowledge, expertise and best practice into the future BAU function.
- Deliver a structured handover and capability transfer before the end of the engagement.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines deep underwriting expertise with experience building new capabilities, operating models and governance frameworks.
You’ll likely bring
- Extensive underwriting experience within commercial, real estate, specialist or secured lending environments.
- Experience designing and implementing underwriting operating models and governance frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of delegated authorities, underwriting controls and quality assurance processes.
- Experience supporting the launch of new lending products or propositions.
- The ability to work effectively across Risk, Operations, Technology, Data and Commercial teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience documenting processes, procedures and operating frameworks.
- A hands-on approach and passion for building sustainable capabilities.
Experience within challenger banks, specialist lenders, commercial real estate finance or lending transformation programmes would be highly beneficial.
You’ll have the chance to
- Design the underwriting capability that will underpin a new Commercial Real Estate proposition.
- Influence how underwriting, governance and controls are established from day one.
- Work alongside senior leaders across Product, Risk, Operations, Data and Technology.
- Help shape the future of automated and technology-enabled lending.
- Leave a lasting legacy through the creation of a scalable underwriting function.
If you enjoy taking ownership, creating structure from ambiguity, and building capabilities that make a genuine commercial impact, this role offers a unique challenge.
About Zempler
Formerly Cashplus Bank, Zempler is a British business bank dedicated to making financial services simpler and more accessible for UK businesses.
We're combining innovative technology, data-driven decision-making and human expertise to create better banking experiences for our customers.
As we grow, we're looking for people who share our ambition to challenge convention and build something meaningful.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Zempler, we believe that diverse teams create better outcomes for our customers, colleagues and communities.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still encourage you to apply.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you.
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Underwriting Mobilisation Lead - Secured Lending (12 Month FTC) employer: Zempler Bank
Zempler Bank is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible hybrid work model that fosters a healthy work-life balance. With a compelling benefits package, including 26 holidays and additional allowances, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative work culture encourages innovation and supports the development of high-performing teams, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the banking sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriting Mobilisation Lead - Secured Lending (12 Month FTC)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Zempler Bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriting Mobilisation Lead - Secured Lending (12 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zempler Bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zempler Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zempler Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zempler Bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zempler Bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zempler Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
