Objectives:
To own the Origination function across the Shojin Group of companies, including the generation and structuring of real estate transactions, and managing the execution risk across the company's origination pipeline. This position requires a seasoned Lending professional with extensive experience in real estate financing and structuring, particularly within the mid-market sector. Show strong commercial acumen to grow market share in our chosen markets through building relationships with clients and intermediaries and building trust in the Shojin brand via professional structuring and seamless execution. Lead the team via hiring, developing and nurturing colleagues and through operational discipline in implementing and monitoring the function, through robust systems and controls to support business expansion in the UK and Globally.
Responsibilities:
* Originate, Structure, Execute:
Act as a player manager and lead by example to grow and professionalise each of these core competencies across UK mid-market development financing.
* Strategic Leadership:
Develop and implement the lending strategy to meet the businesses goals, leading the origination team to achieve financial targets. Contribute to the Monthly Management Committee.
* Team Management:
Lead, mentor, and oversee the origination team, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluation to develop best in class real estate financing professionals.
* Client Engagement:
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, real estate agents, and brokers to drive loan origination, increase market share and make Shojin the 'go to' mid-market financing firm.
* Market Analysis:
Stay informed about market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and improvement in lending services.
* Risk Assessment:
Act as the first line of defence and collaborate with credit risk management to assess borrower qualifications and manage risks associated with loan approvals.
* Process Improvement:
Streamline the loan origination process to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and improve borrower experience.
* Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure that all origination practices comply with banking regulations and internal policies.
* Collaboration:
Work closely with Investments and other departments (e.g., Marketing, Legal, Operations, Portfolio) to support origination efforts and ensure a smooth transition of deals into Portfolio once funded.
* Monitoring and Reporting:
Operate systems to ensure continuous monitoring of lending practices and prepare reports on Origination KPI's, trends, and performance of the division to support continuous improvement.
* Recovery Management:
Assist in developing strategies for dealing with customers in financial distress and support on recovery and restructuring plans if necessary.
Essential Skills:
* Collaboration:
Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to achieve objectives.
* Team Management:
Develop direct reports to be best in class.
* Leadership:
Inspire those around you to grow and perform at their best.
* Commerciality:
Drive origination activity and position the firm in a competitive manner.
* Debt structuring:
Expert knowledge of loan products, market participants, and structuring techniques to support origination growth combined with reduced risk.
* Credit Risk understanding:
As the first line of defence ensure the firm is only originating loans with a low risk of loss.
* Communication:
Effective communication skills to support team, firm and external priorities.
* Ethics and Integrity:
High ethical standards to ensure unbiased and fair client interaction and compliance practices.
* Attention to Detail:
Crucial for identifying potential risk issues in Lending practices.
* Regulatory Knowledge:
Understanding of UK financial regulation and other relevant financial laws.