UK Credit Director

Fintellect Recruitment provided pay range

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Base pay range

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Credit Director to join our Property Finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the credit function, overseeing credit assessments, and managing the credit risk associated with property finance transactions. The Credit Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring that lending decisions align with the company’s risk appetite while driving profitable growth within the property finance division.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the credit assessment process for property finance transactions, ensuring robust credit analysis, due diligence, and risk evaluation of potential borrowers.
2. Assess and approve credit proposals, ensuring they are in line with company policies, risk guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
3. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate credit risk across the property portfolio, focusing on maximizing the risk-adjusted returns.
4. Conduct in-depth analysis of property assets, including valuations, market trends, and borrower financials.
5. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of credit analysts and managers within the property finance division.
6. Set clear objectives and KPIs for the credit team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
7. Oversee the professional development of the credit team and provide coaching to ensure the team’s effectiveness.
8. Manage and monitor the credit risk of the property finance portfolio, including identifying early warning signs and proactively managing problem assets.
9. Review and make recommendations on credit exposures, including credit limit management, collateral valuation, and stress testing.
10. Ensure that credit policies are adhered to and propose adjustments as necessary based on market conditions and risk assessments.

Stakeholder Management:

1. Liaise with senior management, the risk committee, and the executive team to ensure alignment between credit decisions and overall business strategy.
2. Collaborate with the sales, legal, and operations teams to streamline the credit decision-making process and ensure the timely execution of transactions.
3. Present complex credit matters clearly and concisely to stakeholders, including board members and regulators.

Regulatory Compliance:

1. Ensure the credit function complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies governing property finance lending.
2. Stay abreast of changes in legislation, market conditions, and regulatory requirements that may impact credit policies or risk appetite.
3. Maintain robust systems and processes for managing credit documentation, reporting, and compliance checks.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

1. A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in credit risk management, with a strong background in property finance, real estate lending, or commercial banking.
2. Proven leadership and team management experience within a credit function.
3. In-depth understanding of property finance markets, property valuations, and associated credit risks.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
5. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex credit and risk issues to senior stakeholders.
6. Solid understanding of regulatory frameworks governing property finance in the UK, including FCA guidelines and PRA regulations.
7. A relevant professional qualification (e.g., CFA, ACA, or FRM) or degree in finance, economics, or a related field.
8. Experience in a senior credit role with exposure to both residential and commercial property finance sectors.
9. Knowledge of the wider UK property market and emerging market trends.

Personal Attributes:

1. Strong commercial acumen with a results-driven mindset.
2. Ability to think strategically and make decisions that balance risk and reward.
3. Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
4. High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
5. Proactive, with the ability to drive change and improvement across the credit function.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive salary and benefits package.
2. A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
3. Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a growing company.
4. The chance to work with a talented and forward-thinking team in a high-growth sector.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Finance and Other