Belfast (preferred) or UK/Ireland based (hybrid)
Reports to: CFO
Works with: Head of Finance & Portfolio
ABOUT CAPRELEASE
CapRelease is a logistics-embedded lender providing growth capital to eCommerce brands through their third‑party logistics (3PL) partners. Backed by a £25m senior debt facility, an established underwriting framework and a proprietary technology platform, the business is transitioning from build phase to scale phase. As deployment accelerates, maintaining disciplined underwriting, portfolio quality and robust credit governance is critical to sustainable growth.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Head of Credit & Underwriting will lead CapRelease’s underwriting function and credit strategy, ensuring all lending decisions align with the company’s risk appetite, credit policy and lender requirements.
This role is responsible for credit decisioning, underwriting governance and ongoing evolution of credit strategy as the loan book scales. The successful candidate will bring deep experience in SME lending, structured credit or fintech underwriting, and will play a key role in safeguarding portfolio quality while enabling responsible growth.
Strategically, this role is positioned to evolve into a broader Chief Credit Officer function as CapRelease continues to scale its loan book and capital base.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
* Credit decisions consistently align with risk appetite and lender requirements
* CapRelease maintains institutional‑grade underwriting standards throughout its growth trajectory
* The credit function scales safely and efficiently alongside capital deployment
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
* Lead and manage the end‑to‑end underwriting function
* Review and approve credit applications within delegated authority
* Ensure underwriting decisions are consistent, disciplined and aligned with credit policy
* Maintain the quality and consistency of credit analysis and documentation
* Manage, mentor and develop underwriting team members
Credit Strategy & Risk Management
* Own and evolve CapRelease’s credit policy and risk appetite framework
* Define underwriting criteria, approval thresholds and exception processes
* Continuously refine credit decision frameworks based on portfolio performance data
* Balance risk and growth objectives in line with capital structure and strategic priorities
* Monitor approval quality and underwriting outcomes across all cohorts
Credit Committee Leadership
* Chair or lead Credit Committee discussions and decision‑making
* Present credit recommendations with clear rationale and risk assessment
* Ensure all approvals meet internal risk standards and external facility requirements
* Maintain structured, documented approval processes with a clear audit trail
Portfolio Quality Oversight
* Monitor performance of underwritten loans and credit cohorts on an ongoing basis
* Review defaults, losses and recoveries to refine the underwriting approach
* Identify emerging credit risks and adjust strategy proactively
* Support risk mitigation efforts across the portfolio
Capital & Facility Alignment
* Ensure underwriting aligns with senior debt facility requirements and covenants
* Maintain discipline around eligibility criteria and advance rates
* Support borrowing base integrity through consistent and defensible credit decisioning
* Collaborate closely with the CFO and Head of Finance & Portfolio on facility optimisation
Process, Governance & Controls
* Maintain clear, documented credit policy and operating procedures
* Ensure appropriate segregation of duties between underwriting and portfolio reporting functions
* Support audit, lender and regulatory reviews relating to the credit function
* Drive operational efficiency and scalability across underwriting processes
Data, Models & Continuous Improvement
* Collaborate with data science and engineering teams to improve credit models and risk scoring
* Refine risk scoring methodologies using portfolio performance data
* Support automation of underwriting processes to increase speed and consistency
* Use data‑driven insights to continuously enhance decisioning quality
EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND
* 7+ years’ experience in SME lending, fintech lending, structured credit or commercial lending
* Demonstrable underwriting experience with direct credit approval responsibility
* Experience working within institutional credit frameworks and governance structures
* Strong understanding of credit risk, portfolio management and lending structures
* Experience working with debt facilities, structured capital or warehouse funding arrangements
Highly Desirable
* Experience in fintech, revenue‑based finance, MCA, asset‑backed or inventory‑backed lending
* Track record of scaling lending operations and growing a loan book
* Experience building and managing underwriting teams
* Proven ability to operate effectively in high‑growth startup or scale‑up environments
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
* Strong credit judgement and risk discipline
* Structured, analytical and detail‑oriented
* Able to balance risk and growth objectives
* High integrity and strong governance mindset
* Comfortable in a scaling, fast‑paced environment
* Strong communication and decision‑making
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Reports to: CFO
Works alongside: Head of Finance & Portfolio
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