Underwriting Team Manager

The Underwriting team Manager will be responsible for leading, developing and nurturing the underwriting team to deliver successful outcomes for both the Bank and its customers. This role will oversee both lending and deposit onboarding processes, ensuring the smooth and efficient allocation of work, completion of quality assurance activities, compliance with policies, regulations and procedures as well as to motivate and develop the team. The successful candidate will take a hands-on approach, actively participating in underwriting activities while leading the team to achieve optimal productivity and operational efficiency. This role will also involve liaising with retailers and other stakeholders to ensure the effective integration of services and operational excellence. The role will include reporting into the relevant committees such as the Risk Management and Conduct Committee, Operations and IT Committee, and Credit Committee to ensure alignment with strategic goals and regulatory requirements. This position would suit an experienced leader or manager with supervisory experience in unsecured, FCA-regulated consumer lending and deposit onboarding. The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in managing teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring responsible lending and efficient deposit processes Essential: Minimum of 5 years' experience in underwriting retail consumer lending, preferably in the unsecured credit sector or equivalent experience. At least 2 years of experience in an underwriting management role, with proven skills in training and providing constructive feedback to team members. Extensive knowledge of regulatory environments, including a strong understanding of FCA regulations such as CONC-7 and responsible lending practices. Customer-centric approach with a strong commitment to responsible lending. High proficiency in Excel and a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems and software. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and professionalism. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work. Effective interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with colleagues at all levels of seniority. Collaborative team player, with experience working cross-functionally within the business. Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required. Proven experience in driving improvements and innovations within underwriting and deposit onboarding functions. Experience working with credit bureau data and the manual assessment of documents Experience overseeing customer journey processes, including the implementation of automated communication strategies for loan applicants. Strong analytical ability to interpret management information (MI) and data, with the ability to present findings clearly to senior management. Desirable: Proficiency with PowerBI is highly desirable Lead the underwriting team to ensure loan and deposit decisions meet risk appetite, credit policy, and good customer outcomes. Allocate and prioritise workloads across lending and deposit onboarding to maintain productivity and timely delivery. Develop, coach, and motivate team members through training and performance management. Ensure team adherence to policies, regulatory requirements, and service standards for all products. Maintain strong governance and compliance, escalating and reporting breaches promptly. Conduct first-line quality checks and provide feedback to drive continuous improvement. Act as an escalation point for complex loan and deposit cases, resolving issues efficiently. Ensure high-quality customer service and clear communication throughout onboarding journeys. Support manual document assessment, including ID&V, fraud, AML, affordability, and deposit verification checks. Embed best underwriting practices and maintain up-to-date processes aligned with policy and regulation. Reporting, Insight, and Continuous Improvement Monitor, analyse, and report operational MI for lending and deposit processes, producing insights for Boards and Committees. Attend key Committees to provide operational insight and ensure alignment with strategic and regulatory requirements. Feedback to Credit Risk and assess system/process effectiveness to enhance credit decisioning and optimise lending and deposit onboarding. Lead and support change initiatives by defining underwriting requirements, recommending improvements, and driving onboarding-related projects. Collaborate with senior leadership and wider teams to shape underwriting policies and ensure alignment with organisational strategy across lending and deposits 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 Family friendly policies