Interim Head of Credit Risk
About the Company
We are a dynamic and growing financial institution, building our operations from the ground up with a focus on innovation and customer-centricity. Our mission is to unlock opportunities by developing new, bespoke savings and mortgage products powered by cutting-edge technology. We believe in creating a better banking experience and are looking for progressive, innovative problem-solvers who can deliver exceptional value and build strong relationships. If you're ready to contribute to a forward-thinking environment and empower individuals to achieve their financial ambitions, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
As the Interim Head of Credit Risk, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding our financial health and ensuring robust risk management practices. Your key responsibilities will include:
* Leading the second line Credit Risk Function to optimize and embed the Credit Risk Management Framework.
* Promoting and ensuring adherence to the organization's Credit Risk Management framework, relevant risk and compliance policies, and procedures, with timely escalation of concerns.
* Providing subject matter expert advice to support the maintenance of credit risk management practices in line with regulatory standards.
* Collaborating with first-line operational areas involved in credit risk management to foster high standards of practice and efficient processes.
* Leading, managing, developing, and coaching a small team of risk professionals to oversee the delivery of credit risk expertise.
* Leading assurance activity on lending portfolios and the implementation of credit policy, processes, and guidance.
* Developing and reporting against a suite of credit risk metrics covering risk appetite, key risk indicators, and key performance indicators.
* Ensuring that credit risk policies support the organization's risk appetite and business strategy.
* Developing and maintaining effective approaches for credit risk measurement appropriate for each asset class.
* Identifying emerging credit risks through regular reporting and analysis of credit risk performance data, alongside external horizon scanning.
* Contributing to the ICAAP process through review, challenge, and direct inputs.
* Developing and maintaining policy for credit risk impairment and provisions, and overseeing the monthly impairment calculation.
* Taking an active part in credit underwriting through exercising and delegating approval authorities.
* Actively participating in the organization's Credit Committee and other executive/board-level committees as required, providing insights on the credit risk profile.
* Supporting the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in delivering the overall risk strategy.
* Championing an effective positive risk culture through communication and collaboration.
Key Tasks
* Development and maintenance of risk appetite, KRI, and KPI frameworks.
* Development, review, and maintenance of credit risk policies.
* Regular credit assurance activity on the credit risk profile and practices.
* Regular reporting, monitoring, and analysis of credit risk performance against established metrics.
* Active participation in credit underwriting and oversight of related areas.
* Leading a small team, ensuring clear direction and deliverables aligned with business objectives.
* Promotion of a positive risk culture across the organization.
Experience
We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in credit risk, including:
* Demonstrable practical experience managing credit risk throughout the credit lifecycle.
* Experience with both expert and judgmental lending approaches, as well as portfolio/modelled approaches to credit risk management.
* Proven experience developing, implementing, and embedding all aspects of risk management frameworks, with a collaborative approach.
* Experience in developing and integrating enhanced management information capabilities within oversight and decision-making processes.
* Familiarity with the regulatory environment relating to credit risk and a sound understanding of current financial services market trends and upcoming regulatory changes.
* Prior experience leading business-as-usual continuous improvements.
* Experience presenting to Board/Non-executive directors or regulators.
* Proven ability to promote a positive risk culture within a business, function, and team.
Qualifications & Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate will possess:
* A strong track record in risk management leadership roles.
* A robust technical credit risk background in relevant lending segments, with an emphasis on secured lending.
* The ability to actively build collaborative relationships to achieve joint goals and business value.
* Adaptability to change and strong problem-solving skills in complex environments.
* A business-oriented mindset with a customer focus.
* A long-term strategic approach.
* The courage to make decisive decisions.
* An innovative and proactive demeanor.
* A commitment to personal development.
* High ethical and moral standards.
* A desire to contribute to the development of operations and colleagues.