Junior Property Underwriter

Reports to: Underwriting Team Manager

Location: Blend of working from home and at our office at Thorpe Park Leeds, LS15

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days holiday per year
• Birthday off
• Monthly bonus scheme
• Cash healthcare plan
• Auto enrolment pension scheme
• Learning & Development programme
• Life assurance
• Flexible working options
• Volunteering days
• Gym discounts

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (hours of work will be flexible and dictated by the needs of the business, therefore it is expected that the successful applicant will work those hours necessary to successfully discharge the duties of the role).

The Role Overview: To underwrite Equity Release Mortgage applications by following set lending criteria whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy. Exercise permitted discretion to make underwriting decisions where appropriate. Raise questions with and answer queries from brokers, surveyors and solicitors to company standards through our case ownership model.

Key Outputs:

• To underwrite applications within agreed SLA’s, ensuring that all business written complies with the company’s lending criteria.
• Full case ownership of allocated cases up to offer.
• To review and assess applications and property valuations, identifying where criteria are not met, and, where criteria allows for underwriter discretion, to exercise such discretion to make reasoned and justifiable underwriting decisions.
• To identify where further information or explanation may be required and to obtain such from the appropriate party. Consequently, to have full accountability for own underwriting decisions.
• Identify where special conditions may be appropriate and required, and to prepare offers to include such special conditions where appropriate.
• Support colleagues across the business in providing accurate information and answers to queries and questions, handling such calls personally where appropriate and to a high standard.
• £499k mandate level once competent.
• Ensure client files are always complete and up to date.
• Ensure all applications comply with Equity Release Council Guidelines.
• Adhere to anti-money laundering, data protection and all regulatory requirements and report any concerns and/or breaches over underwriting issues to team manager. Contribute to the development of company’s TCF policy and T&C regime.
• Work with the Underwriting Team Manager to identify, devise and highlight areas for improvement in systems, processes and procedures, communicating and implementing and training out changes to the team if required.
• Take responsibility for ad hoc projects as requested by the Underwriting Team Manager.
• Support in team meetings as required.

The Person Overview: A presentable and highly organised individual with a keen attention to detail and a methodical approach to their work. An effective communicator, able to deal with colleagues, brokers, surveyors and solicitors in a professional manner which is confident, open and honest. Must have the ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines. Previous experience as an underwriter is desired but not essential as full training will be given. An approachable, organised individual who shows excellent attention to detail and a proven ability to work using own initiative and take responsibility for their work in the absence of a Team Manager.

Skills & Experience:

Mandatory:

• Analytical and methodical thinking
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team orientated
• Excellent decision-making skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Experience in financial services role

Desirable:

• Financial Services Mortgage Underwriting Experience
• Previous experience in Equity Release

Qualifications:

Mandatory:

• Grade C or higher in Maths & English GCSE or equivalent

Desirable:

• CeMAP/CeRER