Head of Credit Risk
Contract to Permanent Opportunity
Overview
An established and entrepreneurial real estate non-bank lending is seeking an experienced Head of Credit Risk to lead and evolve its credit and portfolio management function. This is a senior leadership role with direct reporting to the CEO and Board, offering the opportunity to shape credit strategy, governance and portfolio performance at scale.
This role can be offered on a contract basis with the potential to transition to a permanent position.
The Opportunity
Our client specialises in senior, stretch senior and mezzanine debt across bridging and development loans, typically funding residential transactions between £1m–£20m in London and the South East. With significant funding capacity secured and clear expansion plans over the next 3–5 years, this appointment is critical to maintaining high credit standards while materially increasing lending volumes.
You will take full ownership of the credit risk and portfolio management functions, overseeing underwriting quality, risk governance, credit committee processes and loan lifecycle management from origination through to exit.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Provide independent, expert advice to the CEO and Board with overall responsibility for the risk management function.
Set, review and continuously enhance underwriting standards, credit policies and risk frameworks.
Ensure full adherence to underwriting, AML, portfolio monitoring and compliance requirements .
Lead and chair an efficient, well-governed credit committee process.
Sign off credit applications, minutes, valuations and key underwriting documentation prior to committee progression.
Team Leadership
Direct line management of Credit and Portfolio Management team, with full responsibility for performance, development and output quality.
Build a rigorous, analytical and commercially focused credit culture.
Ensure production of high-quality analysis and documentation across all stages of the loan cycle.
Underwriting & Transaction Due Diligence
Structure loan facilities including conditions precedent and subsequent.
Oversee valuation, legal and project monitoring due diligence, ensuring accurate representation to Credit Committee.
Manage external advisors and ensure appropriate PI cover and cost discipline.
Provide clear, experience-based insight across the full lifetime of a loan facility.
Execution & Drawdown
Oversee preparation and approval of facility letters, guarantees and security documentation.
Ensure accurate tracking and satisfaction of all Conditions Precedent and Subsequent.
Approve completion statements, drawdowns and post-completion requirements.
Ensure KYC/Compliance sign-off prior to completion.
Co-Lender & Institutional Funding
Support evaluation and structuring of third-party funding arrangements including syndication and loan-on-loan structures.
Provide due diligence information for new funding lines.
Ensure institutional funders receive required monitoring and reporting.
Portfolio Management & Workout
Lead loan monitoring and dynamic credit grading.
Manage watchlists and report monthly to senior leadership.
Oversee restructuring and workout cases to maximise recovery.
Set and manage default policies and recovery strategies.
Exit Management
Review and approve project sales strategies.
Approve security discharge and distribution waterfalls.
Ensure orderly and well-governed loan exits.
Candidate Profile
Ideally 15+ years' credit risk experience within a real estate lending environment (investment bank, non-bank lender, debt fund, or similar).
Deep expertise in UK residential development finance.
Strong structuring capability with the ability to assess complex transactions and risk-adjusted returns.
Advanced financial modelling skills (including IRR modelling and complex Excel analysis).
Proven experience leading and developing high-performing credit teams.
Strong commercial judgement with the confidence to challenge and influence at Board level.
Exceptional attention to detail, analytical rigour and methodical approach.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Degree qualified; financial/accounting qualifications advantageous.