Underwriting & Fraud Specialist

Working in our dynamic and successful Underwriting Team there has never been a better time to join Pepper Money, a specialist mortgage lender backed by a global financial institution offering first and second charge loans. We have offices in Manchester, Cardiff and London in which this fixed term role could be based. We really do believe that it’s our people who are our main competitive advantage – the ‘thing’ that sets us apart from our competitors. Our passion is to ‘Help People Succeed’. This is at the heart of everything we do and includes our valued customers, intermediary brokers and partners as well as all of our fantastic colleagues. What you will be doing You will assess and underwrite first or second charge mortgage applications, making responsible lending decisions that balance customer needs with risk, affordability and regulatory requirements. You'll play a key role in fraud prevention by investigating potential fraud cases, applying robust controls and maintaining accurate records. Working to agreed service levels, you'll deliver high-quality decisions, contribute to continuous improvement of policies and processes, and act as a positive role model within the team, demonstrating our values in everything you do. You will Underwrite first or second charge mortgage applications, making responsible lending decisions in line with policy and regulation. Assessing affordability, sustainability and risk to deliver high-quality customer outcomes. Investigating potential fraud and financial crime risks, making evidence-based recommendations and maintaining accurate records. Delivering timely decisions while meeting agreed service levels, quality standards and productivity targets. Creating clear and robust lending rationales to support underwriting and policy exception decisions. Providing excellent service to customers, brokers and internal stakeholders throughout the application journey. Ensuring compliance with FCA requirements, Consumer Duty, AML, GDPR and other regulatory obligations. Identifying opportunities to improve underwriting, fraud prevention and operational processes. Supporting audits, risk management activities and fraud reporting requirements. Acting as a positive role model within the team, building strong relationships and promoting Pepper Money's values and culture. What we are looking for Proven experience in first and/or second charge mortgage underwriting, ideally within specialist lending. Strong knowledge of mortgage regulation, including FCA requirements, Consumer Duty, MCOB, GDPR and AML. Experience assessing employed, self-employed and complex income cases. Ability to make balanced lending decisions and produce clear, well-reasoned lending rationales. Strong understanding of the broker and customer journey. Excellent analytical skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. Experience working to deadlines in a fast-paced lending environment. Strong verbal and written communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. Customer-focused approach with a passion for delivering great service. Proactive team player who is adaptable, resilient and takes ownership of their work. Previous lending mandate and/or CeMAP qualification (or equivalent) would be advantageous, as would experience in fraud prevention and financial crime. Some of the benefits we provide are: Competitive salaries and bonus schemes Hybrid home and office working with flexible working arrangements Opportunities to develop your career within the wider firm 25 days’ holiday & bank holidays plus birthday off Single Private Medical Insurance cover with BUPA Personal pension scheme with generous, matched company contributions. In return for your commitment, you’ll have the chance to develop your career in a dynamic environment, working alongside top talent and an exceptional leadership team. If you want to be involved in our exciting expansion plans and have the chance to really shape and influence the way the business grows, then we’d love to hear from you. We also want our people to feel a sense of belonging at Pepper Money. We are committed to meeting our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion charter, further information can be found on the Careers section on our website.