Senior Underwriter | Progression to Head of Credit | High‑Growth Specialist Lender
Are you an experienced underwriter ready to step into a pivotal role where your judgement genuinely shapes the direction of a fast‑scaling lender?
If you’re looking for the autonomy to own complex decisions, the opportunity to progress quickly, and the chance to make a visible impact from day one, this role offers exactly that.
About the Company
Our client is a dynamic, well‑funded specialist lender experiencing accelerated growth across the UK SME and property finance markets. They are known for their agility, speed of execution, and ability to structure bespoke solutions where traditional lenders cannot.
About the Role
As the Senior Underwriter, you will become a cornerstone of the credit function, taking full ownership of complex and non‑standard cases, shaping deals, structuring transactions, and driving confident, commercially sound lending decisions. You’ll work closely with the COO and leadership team, directly influencing credit strategy while remaining hands‑on with underwriting. You will be trusted to apply rational judgement, challenge assumptions, and articulate risk with clarity. For the right person, the pathway to Head of Credit is clearly defined.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the underwriting of complex commercial, SME and bridging finance & refurbishment.
* Assess applications outside of rigid policy parameters, providing structured, balanced and commercial rationale.
* Evaluate risk, propose mitigations, and structure deals that work for both borrower and lender.
* Produce high‑quality credit papers and recommendations with clear reasoning and full risk assessment.
* Work closely with brokers, borrowers, surveyors and internal stakeholders to progress deals efficiently.
* Support the COO by taking ownership of underwriting workflow, improving processes, and raising credit quality.
* Act as a senior voice within the credit function, helping to mentor and guide more junior team members.
* Contribute to ongoing improvements in credit policy, appetite and lending frameworks.
Skills and Experience
* Strong background in commercial, SME or bridging underwriting within reputable specialist lenders
* Demonstrable experience assessing complex property transactions
* Confident making autonomous decisions on non‑standard deals outside strict policy.
* Skilled in presenting structured credit rationale, risk mitigations and deal viability.
* Experience within SME lending is beneficial but not essential.
* Mature commercial judgement; comfortable operating as a senior decision‑maker.
* Ability to balance speed, accuracy and commerciality without compromising risk standards.
Package & Progression
* Competitive Salary
* Performance‑linked incentives
* Clear, supported progression route to Head of Credit
Why Apply?
You’ll have real decision‑making authority in a role where your judgement genuinely matters, making it ideal for an experienced underwriter looking for senior influence without the bureaucracy. You’ll have clear visibility of progression into a future Head of Credit position, within a lender recognised for its innovation, rapid turnaround and intelligent deal structuring.
If you’re an accomplished underwriter seeking a senior role where you can accelerate your career, shape lending decisions and step into true ownership, this opportunity is built for you.