Senior Underwriter (Corporate & SME Credit Risk)
Manchester / Remote
Band C – Salary to be discussed
35hrs per week
The Co-operative Bank has been rooted in distinctive co-operative values and ethics, underpinning how we run our business and providing customers with a real ethical alternative for 150 years. 2022 marks our 150th anniversary of ethical banking, we remain committed to our co-operative heritage, and values in all that we do. It is our unwavering commitment to these values and our unique customer-led Ethical Policy, which has made us a natural leader in environmental and social issues today, resulting in the bank being rated as the UK’s best Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rated high street bank by leading ESG ratings agency Sustainalytics.
We are longstanding advocates of hybrid and flexible working and offer remote working in roles that allow, with the opportunity to spend 1-2 days in the office where desired.
The role:
We’re looking for Senior Underwriters with specialist SME underwriting knowledge to carry out detailed credit analysis on SME lending opportunities and to approve lending within the role holder’s delegated lending authority and/or make appropriate recommendations on such lending to senior risk colleagues, up to and including the Chief Risk Officer
You will have technical corporate credit risk skills to support and assist the relevant Senior Credit Risk Manager or the Head of SME Credit Risk Underwriting, as appropriate, to manage and control all Corporate and SME (incl Legacy) lending, post sanction and provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues in SME Banking and Legacy.
Key Accountabilities:
- Together with colleague managers in SME Credit Risk, manage the daily workload to optimise service levels and meet SLA’s agreed with SME Banking and Legacy
- In line with the Risk Management Framework complete robust and comprehensive Credit Risk assessments of Corporate and SME lending applications, making lending decisions for new, and existing borrowing ensuring that the information provided is validated and robust, that agreed credit policy and appetite is complied with, and that the risks to the Bank are identified and are appropriately managed, mitigated and/or eliminated
- Where appropriate, prepare an appraisal note to the appropriate higher mandate holder, highlighting all key issues and including the lending decision recommended by the role holder which may include presentation at Credit Risk Oversight Committee, and/or directly to the Chief Risk Officer
- Work effectively with SME and Legacy colleagues at all levels to ensure sharing of best practice in relation to Credit Risk Management
- Ensure audit, compliance and regulatory requirements are fulfilled and that no brand/reputation risk issues arise as a result of departmental activity
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
- Extensive level of experience in SME lending, with a highly developed understanding of the canons of good lending
- Significant level of involvement with lending transactions (for new lending within lending mandate and making recommendations where necessary to Credit Risk Director and/or Chief Risk Officer) including the detailed assessment of credit applications for such transactions
- Excellent analytical skills
- Highly experienced in credit risk management systems, models, strategies and policies
- ACIB qualification preferred
- Excellent verbal and writing skills, including presenting to senior management and/or relevant committees / forums
- Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels, including key stakeholders, senior management, role-holder’s peer group and less experienced colleagues
- Up to date and extensive knowledge of internal and external developments within the Corporate & SME business environment
- Up to date knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements/developments as they affect corporate credit risk management.
- Excellent self- management, time management and multi- tasking skills
- Detailed level of knowledge of Bank’s agreed Lending Procedures and Credit Policies, and SME Credit Risk Underwriting Internal Procedures
What You Can Expect From Us:
* Flexible and remote working
* 27 days holiday, plus opportunity to buy 5 extra days
- Competitive pension / income protection / life assurance
* Positive, friendly work culture that promotes work life balance
* Commitment from employers on continued learning & development
* Wellbeing support ‘Help@Hand’ offers mental health support, physiotherapy, GP’s for both you and your family.
- 2 paid days for volunteering per year
- ‘MyReward’ corporate discount for over 800 retailers and Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies and supportive working environment
- Recognition scheme and a culture in which we celebrate success
- Colleague network groups committed to inclusion and diversity within our Bank.
Our Bank is committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and lifestyles who can work with us in maintaining a culture of belonging, where people are valued and respected.
If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact careers@co-operativebank.co.uk
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.