Personal Credit Underwriter

This is a 12-month Fixed-Term contract (Maternity Cover). This role is responsible for the thorough underwriting of retail loan and savings applications, ensuring all assessments are conducted within the company’s established procedures and risk appetite. As an Underwriter, you will play a critical role in evaluating applications by utilising multiple data sources, including credit bureau reports and other supporting documentation, to make informed decisions on creditworthiness, financial stability, and affordability. You will need to apply sound judgment while adhering to regulatory guidelines and internal policies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including risk management, product development, and customer service, to streamline processes, identify areas for improvement, and help shape credit policies to reflect market trends and company goals. Your input will be vital in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a consistent approach to risk management across the business. The position requires a commitment to regular evening and weekend shifts to support business needs, with flexibility in how the workweek is structured. In addition, there will be opportunities to contribute to strategic initiatives, such as refining underwriting criteria, adopting new technologies, and optimising the customer experience, ensuring that your role as a Credit Underwriter goes beyond daily tasks to shaping the future of the department. This role will suit a credit underwriter who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. The role requires a candidate who has underwriting experience and has previously assessed credit or loan applications as part of their role. The candidate should be able to work under pressure, ensuring quality and speed of work is maintained. Applicants should have: A minimum of 1 years’ experience in underwriting retail consumer lending (preferably in the unsecured / retail credit sector but secured will be considered) Experience of working in an FCA-regulated environment A highly customer-focused approach with a commitment to responsible lending High standards of written and spoken English Strong attention to detail Strong interpersonal skills to deal with all levels of seniority A collaborative approach to working with colleagues in other parts of the business Be willing to work weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and evenings as well as occasional bank holidays – shift pattern Review loan applications in alignment with credit policy, risk appetite, and underwriting procedures, ensuring compliance with consumer duty obligations. Review savings applications in alignment with the savings policy, risk appetite, and underwriting procedures, ensuring compliance with consumer duty obligations. Assess supporting documentation for applications, such as bank statements, proof of ID, income tax documents and payslips. Manage cases from application to completion including declines, ensuring all information is assessed properly. Conduct due diligence and ensure compliance with underwriting procedure, FCA guidelines, fraud and financial crime regulations. Utilise CIFAS for fraud detection - analyse and interpret fraud reports, escalating any concerns as necessary. Analyse credit and affordability reports to accurately assess borrower risk. Ensure accurate assessment of borrower creditworthiness in accordance with policies and procedures. Conduct AML searches, and review PEP and sanctions reports to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and escalate where required. Leverage software tools to support underwriting decisions and maintain high standards of due diligence in every application. Process applications within service standards and key performance indicators Communicate effectively with customers and retailers throughout the onboarding process. Engaging directly with customers via various channels to request information, discuss their applications or answer their queries, ensuring the consistent achievement of great customer outcomes. This includes providing telephony cover and ensuring that all calls are handled within service standards set. Identify opportunities and proactively make recommendations for continuous improvement Other requirements as required by management 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 days with service Private Medical Insurance Work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days per year Group Life Assurance (4x salary) Income Protection Scheme Pension scheme (6% employer contribution, subject to 4% employee contribution) Employee Assistance Programme Two paid volunteering days per year Flexible hybrid working Very competitive family friendly benefits such as enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave for life’s challenges along the way