Overview
Description We are seeking a Credit Risk Lead to support the continued growth and oversight of our credit risk function as we scale across the US and international markets.
Department: Credit Risk
Location: London
In this role, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the credit risk and underwriting team, ensuring consistent, high-quality credit decisions aligned with the company’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations. You will partner closely with senior risk leadership, Product, Data, Compliance, and Commercial teams to strengthen credit policies, optimize decisioning frameworks, and maintain strong portfolio performance.
This role requires deep credit risk expertise combined with proven people management experience. You will be accountable for team performance, underwriting quality, operational efficiency, and the delivery of key risk outcomes.
Responsibilities
* Team Leadership & Management
o Lead, mentor, and develop a team of credit risk analysts and underwriters.
o Manage performance, workload allocation, hiring, and professional development.
o Foster a culture of accountability, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.
* Credit Risk & Underwriting Oversight
o Oversee credit underwriting and risk assessment processes to ensure consistent application of credit policies and risk appetite.
o Review complex or escalated cases and provide guidance on structured risk decisions.
o Ensure adherence to internal controls and applicable federal and state regulations.
* Policy & Framework Development
o Support the development, implementation, and enhancement of credit risk policies, underwriting standards, and operating procedures.
o Contribute to risk governance frameworks and documentation aligned with US regulatory expectations.
* Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting
o Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in credit quality, losses, and early risk indicators.
o Prepare and present risk reporting and insights to senior management.
o Recommend actions to mitigate emerging risks and optimise portfolio outcomes.
* Cross-Functional Partnership
o Collaborate with Product, Finance, Compliance, Legal and Capital Markets teams to align credit strategy with growth initiatives.
o Provide risk input on new products, market expansion, and strategic initiatives.
* Process Optimisation & Controls
o Drive continuous improvement in underwriting workflows, automation, and risk controls.
o Strengthen quality assurance practices to ensure decision accuracy and policy compliance.
* Training & Capability Building
o Deliver coaching and structured development opportunities for team members.
o Promote knowledge sharing and risk education across the business.
Qualifications & Skills
* 5+ years of experience in credit risk, underwriting, or a related risk management function.
* 2+ years of direct people management or team leadership experience.
* Experience within financial services, fintech, lending, or commercial credit preferred.
* Strong understanding of credit underwriting principles, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio risk management.
* Familiarity with US lending regulations and compliance requirements.
* Ability to evaluate financial statements, cash flow, and credit data to inform structured risk decisions.
* Comfortable working with data and performance metrics to drive insights and action.
* Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain risk concepts to non-technical audiences.
* Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Desirable Skills
* Experience working in other international markets
* Experience in SME Lending
Benefits
* Stock Options
* Private Medical insurance via Vitality and Dental Insurance with BUPA
* EAP with Health Assured
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
* Modern and sophisticated office space in Central London
* Free Gym in office building in Holborn
* Subsidised Lunch via Feedr
* Deliveroo Allowance if working late in office
* Monthly in office Masseuse
* Team and Company Socials
* Football Power League / Paddle and Yoga Club
At YouLend, we champion diversity and embrace equal opportunity employment practices. Our hiring, transfer, and promotion decisions are exclusively based on qualifications, merit, and business requirements, free from any discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, nationality, or any other protected basis under applicable law.
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