Credit Risk Manager – SME & Asset Finance - Portfolio Lead Must have lending experience at or above £1m Delegated Authority Hybrid - 1 day a week in HQ (west midlands) is required. A specialist UK bank with a strong track record in SME and asset-backed lending is seeking an SME credit professional to take a pivotal role in underwriting. This role is designed for someone already operating at or above £1m personal delegation, with deep experience in SME lending and asset finance, who can confidently balance commercial outcomes with disciplined risk judgement. The Role You will act as a senior credit authority across the SME portfolio, reviewing complex, higher-value and non-standard transactions. Working closely with front-line teams, you’ll provide challenge, structure deals where appropriate, and ensure lending remains aligned to risk appetite and capital requirements. This is a hands-on role with real influence in a tight knit team. Key Responsibilities Underwrite and approve complex SME and asset finance transactions above local mandate levels Exercise senior personal credit authority (£1m) and support submissions to Credit / Sanctioning Committee Review and challenge deal structures, security packages, cashflow assumptions, and covenant frameworks Provide 2nd line credit oversight to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to risk appetite Chair regular SME credit review forums with origination teams Contribute to SME credit policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio risk initiatives Support periodic credit reviews of key counterparties and suppliers About You 10 years’ SME credit underwriting experience, ideally within asset finance or asset-backed lending Proven track record operating at senior underwriting / £1m delegated authority Strong understanding of SME financials, cashflow lending, asset-backed structures, and security Comfortable assessing complex ownership structures and corporate entities Commercially minded, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders Clear, concise credit writer with strong judgement and attention to detail Able to operate autonomously while adding value across the wider business Why This Role High-quality SME deal flow with real variety and complexity across other portoflios also (BTL, Motor, Porperty Development) Hybrid working model with genuine flexibility- 1 day a week in the West Midlands, with other office locations for additonal days when required. Strong benefits package including enhanced pension, profit-related pay, and generous leave A collaborative, relationship-led culture that values experience and sound judgement