Senior Underwriter

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Our client is an exciting start-up within the Bridging Finance space. We are looking for a Senior Underwriter to manage non-standard or complex finance enquiries, handling full applications from submission to completion, and overseeing the valuation process. You will apply advanced underwriting principles, solve complex challenges, and ensure compliance with lending criteria and regulations. Furthermore, you will act as a mentor, providing training and guidance to Underwriters and Application Assistants to meet their key deliverables and objectives, ensuring consistency and continued improvement of process and service.

Role Duties

• Take ownership of complex loan enquiries that deviate from standard lending criteria.
• Lead the full application process, from initial document collection to final decision-making.
• Perform in-depth assessments of applicants’ financial status, repayment capacity, and risk factors, and make informed decisions on loan approval, decline, or conditional approval, documenting rationales.
• Instruct appropriate valuations (desktop or physical) and coordinate with valuation partners.
• Review valuation reports and ensure accurate property assessments are factored into lending decisions.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners such as Brokers, Valuers, and Solicitors.
• Foster productive relationships to expedite the journey from offer to completion.
• With the benefit of management information, proactively monitor and manage productivity and efficiency to help ensure that this is maximized while achieving the required quality standards.
• Support the team in composing finance rationales that ensure decisions are clearly structured and documented.
• Act as a mentor to the team, offering constructive feedback, guidance, and support.
• Maintain robust and strict adherence to the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Skills & Experience

• A sound understanding of Bridging Finance, Underwriting, or lending experience.
• Strong command of underwriting systems, credit check tools, and loan origination platforms.
• Experience interpreting complex financial data with demonstrated analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and familiarity with CRM or workflow management tools.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations, lending standards, and risk management frameworks.
• Proven ability to ensure compliance while balancing customer needs and business objectives.