Location: Hybrid working with 5 days per fortnight in our Head Office (Leek, Staffordshire) and the remaining time remotely. Employment type: Full-time,12 Month Fixed Term Contract Salary: £25,224 Working hours: 35 hours per week, worked flexibly. Reports to: Underwriting Manager Direct Reports: None The Organisation At Leek Building Society, we pride ourselves on being a force for good. We exist to help our communities grow, so they can do great things today - and even better things tomorrow. Our colleagues are one of the communities we support. We’ve created an inclusive and engaging hybrid workplace where colleagues have the freedom to be themselves and grow their careers. As the winner of the SME People Management award at the 2025 CIPD People Management Awards, the 8th most Inspiring Workplace in the UK, and a Top 100 globally Inspiring Workplace, we're committed to maintaining our award-winning proposition while helping our colleagues reach their true potential. Job Purpose & Scope As a key member of the Mortgage Underwriting Team, the role is responsible for assessing and processing new mortgage and additional borrowing applications through to offer stage. This must be done in full compliance with the Society’s policies, procedures, and service level agreements, ensuring sound lending decisions that protect the Society’s interests. The role demands a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining operational integrity and regulatory compliance. The job holder will also proactively identify and challenge existing processes to enhance customer experience and drive business efficiency. Duties and Key Responsibilities Mortgage Underwriting Assess and underwrite mortgage and additional borrowing applications in line with product criteria, Responsible Lending Policy, and service standards. Review submitted documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and correct input into the Activate system. Provide clear, well-reasoned decisions to approve or decline applications, documenting rationale appropriately. Identify cases requiring referral to internal/external parties or escalation to higher mandate holders. Complete all required Mortgage Application Check Forms, applying relevant conditions, hold codes, and collateral codes. Recommend any cases outside mandate to the management team and ensure all cases hold a robust documented rationale for the lending decision. Communication Communicate promptly and professionally with intermediaries, customers, and colleagues to ensure efficient application processing and accurate information exchange. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to progress applications to offer stage within agreed timescales, proactively chasing outstanding items. Systems Management Support testing of new software releases on the Activate system, reporting issues and proposing solutions as needed. Maintain and update relevant sections of the Systems and Process Manuals. Ensure all systems are accurately updated following each interaction or decision point. Management Information (MI) Assist in the preparation and delivery of MI reports relevant to the underwriting function. Change & Continuous Improvement Support the implementation of new processes, procedures, and system updates. Actively contribute feedback and suggestions to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. Risk Management Identify and mitigate risks within the underwriting process, ensuring all risk events are recorded in accordance with policy. General Duties Perform any other reasonable duties as required, including providing cover for colleagues to maintain service continuity. Person Specification Qualifications & Knowledge Essential Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong general IT literacy Desirable Familiarity with Activate and CSR systems. Understanding of mortgage lending policies (training provided). CeMAP qualification (or working towards). Awareness of mortgage regulations relevant to the role. Experience Proven experience in mortgage underwriting is essential. Skills & Abilities Strong decision-making skills with accountability for outcomes and risk awareness. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain decisions clearly and professionally. Well-organised and able to manage workload effectively under pressure to meet service standards. Collaborative team player with initiative and a customer-focused approach. Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, with a proactive attitude toward problem-solving and continuous improvement. Other Requirements Willingness to travel to other business locations as required A Basic DBS check will be undertaken upon an offer of employment. What benefits are on offer: Competitive salary rates 35 hour working week (full-time) Contributory Stakeholder Pension Scheme Free health screening Minimum of 23 days paid holiday per annum plus bank and public holidays Parental Schemes Sick Pay guaranteed for 6 months for major illnesses Holiday purchase/sale scheme Life assurance of 4 times your annual salary Employee assistance programme Continuous development opportunities We’re open to discussing working flexibly Onsite gym available to employees If the above sounds like something you’d thrive at, we’d love to hear from you