Credit Risk Underwriter – Specialist Mortgages & Bridging Finance

London Source: WhatJobs

£70,000–£95,000

Hampshire Trust Bank is a specialist bank, staffed by experts focused on helping UK businesses realise their ambitions.

We offer niche specialty lines, as a SME bank, targeting under-served segments. Our dedicated Wholesale Finance, Bridging Finance, Development Finance and Specialist Mortgages teams ensure that businesses receive the outstanding service, lasting relationships, integrity and expertise they need to prosper.

We also provide savings accounts to individuals and businesses and since we lend to SMEs, our savers can be sure their money will help boost the British economy. Our vision is to be the go-to bank in our chosen markets; to deliver positive customer outcomes, rewarding careers and great shareholder value through a high-performing culture grounded in excellence and integrity.

Discover more about working at HTB here - Life at HTB | Careers & Inside Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB)

About The Role

HTB is seeking a Sanctioner within the 2nd Line of Defence Credit Risk function, taking responsibility for sanctioning credit proposals within own delegated authority and providing sanctioning support and cover within the Credit Risk team. Typical facilities range between £1m - £35m. The role holder will be expected to be able to analyse new and existing propositions across real estate bridging and investment sectors, make well balanced decisions and where required suitable recommendations to senior management and/or Credit Committee and operate confidently within a personal lending mandate.

The role holder will also be involved in the review and monitoring of credit risk at portfolio level, the review and analysis of credit risk data and where required assisting in the review and development of credit risk management frameworks, including credit policies. The role holder will have responsibility for supporting the Head of Real Estate and Sector Head in delivery of sector Portfolio Reviews and any deep dive investigations in addition to Lending Decision Assurance activity.

Key Responsibilities

Act as a sounding board to the Bridging & Specialist Mortgages business units in respect of transactions in process.
Operate a personal delegated lending authority in accordance with the Bank’s Credit Risk Management Framework and Credit Risk Policies ensuring compliance and mitigating risk effectively.
Prepare and present comprehensive credit risk assessment reports and actionable recommendations to the Transactional Credit Committee.
Support the development of an appropriate risk culture within the business.
Contribute to the ongoing development and review of credit risk policies to maintain a coherent framework for the management and oversight of credit risk, as well as supporting improvements and operational efficiencies to the credit risk framework and sanctioning processes.
Assist the Sector Head of SM & Bridging Finance in the review, monitoring and reporting of credit risk profiles at a counterparty and portfolio level.
This role will report directly into a Senior Underwriter in the SM & Bridging Finance Credit Risk Team.

Required Skills & Experience

Demonstrable lending experience in credit risk underwriting and sanctioning roles with an emphasis on Specialist mortgages including Buy to Let, HMO and Real Estate Bridging Finance. PBSA finance experience would also be useful but not essential.
Good knowledge of financial, business, economic, and property markets, coupled with a strong awareness of the regulatory framework, enabling informed decision-making.
Strong analytical skills with a good working knowledge of risk grading systems and processes.
A team player willing to go beyond the norm to deliver exemplary standards
Proven influencing and communication skills
Evidence of balanced and independent judgement

Benefits

Competitive remuneration including discretionary annual bonus and annual pay review
Private Medical Insurance (Bupa)
Mental health & wellbeing support via Bupa
25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme & Green Car Scheme
Enhanced family leave policies
Study support & professional memberships
Hybrid working (50/50 London)
YuLife Rewards – retail, lifestyle & experience discounts
Pension scheme – 8% employer contribution (non‑contributory)
Interest‑free season ticket loan
Annual volunteering day & Net Zero employer commitment