Head of Underwriting

About the role:

With a strong heritage in the Northeast and the mortgage market, Darlington Building Society has a great story to tell. We bring diversity and choice to the financial services marketplace by offering innovative products and a commitment to personal service and quality advice.

In recent years, we’ve modernized and transformed the Society through new systems, platforms, and investments. In recent years, we have achieved record-breaking profits and received several prestigious industry awards, including Best Building Society, Best Help to Buy Provider of the Year, and Best Self-Build Lender of the Year

The future promises even more exciting developments as we continue to invest in our leadership capabilities, our digital platform for savings, and the mortgage end-to-end journey.

We are now looking for a Head of Underwriting to lead our underwriting strategy, manage the lending journey, and ensure that we meet our members' needs while maintaining high standards of service and compliance.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

- Be part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), driving the business plan forward and leading a high-performing underwriting team to meet both member and customer requirements.

- Set and maintain service standards for mortgage activities, including decisions in principle, applications, completions, redemptions, and variations to contracts.

- Drive continuous improvement across lending operations, leveraging recent investments and striving for excellence throughout the department.

- Collaborate with product, sales, and finance teams to develop and execute the Society’s lending strategy.

- Serve as a subject matter expert on underwriting and lending operations, supporting the Society’s strategic initiatives.

- Ensure effective decision-making on all new mortgage applications at both the decision-in-principle and full assessment stages.

- Monitor mortgage lending to ensure adherence to risk appetite, lending policies, and BSOCS guidance.

- Oversee training and development for the underwriting teams, ensuring quality control standards are met and MCOB guidance is followed in lending and financial support assessments.

- Identify trends in the external mortgage market that could pose risks or provide opportunities for growth and diversification.

- Utilize delegated lending authority while adhering to regulatory rules, codes of practice, and the principles of Treating Customers Fairly.

- Provide detailed management information to the Risk Management Committee, including a breakdown of mortgage lending decisions, early warning indicators, and observed trends. Offer 1st line assurance on appropriate credit and conduct risks within the lending portfolio.

- Liaise with the CEO, Deputy CEO, and Board Committee when mortgage applications exceed delegated lending authority.

- Manage the issuance and renewal of individual delegated lending authorities for Underwriters, based on their knowledge, skills, and experience.

- Ensure customer confidentiality and GDPR compliance.

- Recommend policy changes as necessary and present them at Committee meetings.

- Review the Responsible Lending Policy annually, presenting revisions to the Risk Management Committee for approval.

- Provide insights on market information, sector trends, and credit statistics, offering analysis when requested.

- Stay up to date with fraud-related developments and take steps to minimize risks to the Society.

- Undertake continuous learning and attend relevant courses to further develop knowledge and skills.

- Act as the lead contract owner for Surveyor, Solicitor Panel, and MIG cover agreements.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the long-term financial success of a member-focused organization that is passionate about its people and its mission to provide excellent service to its members.

We are looking for someone who:

- Has a strong background in underwriting and lending operations within financial services.

- Is fully conversant with MCOB guidance.

- Communicates effectively at all levels.

- Has a proven track record of leadership in a high-performance environment.

- Is motivated and driven to make a meaningful impact.

- Be able to adopt and live and breathe our values Be Yourself, Be Better and Be Trusted

Why Join Our Team?

At our core, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We're dedicated to ensuring that our employees are compensated fairly for the valuable contributions they make, while also offering a comprehensive array of benefits to bolster both financial stability and overall well-being.

Darlington Building Society is more than just a workplace; it's a community where individuals are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table. We have a Passion for Talent and are committed to nurturing skills, knowledge, and providing opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

Through our Leadership Development Programs, we support our colleagues in developing the skills needed to lead confidently and effectively. Our strong focus on well-being extends beyond standard benefits, offering well-being forums and support groups to ensure that every team member feels heard, supported, and connected.

With our learning and development programs, we equip you with the tools and support necessary to excel in your career journey.

What we can offer you:

• Annual Bonus Scheme

• Performance Linked pay progression

• 10% Employee Contribution Pension Scheme

• 4 x Annual Salary Life Cover

• Minimum of 2 days for volunteering

• Employee benefits platform

• Health Care Cash Plan

• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave Entitlements

PLUS MANY MORE

To find out more information please look at our Careers page

About our Society:

Darlington Building Society is an award-winning organisation, and our vision is to be a thriving, independent regional building society that creates a feeling of pride amongst its staff, members, and community.

At Darlington Building Society we pride ourselves on making a difference to our customers by encouraging saving, supporting home ownership, and sharing our knowledge and resources with our local communities. We have 9 branches from Stockton to Northallerton, via Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Yarm. Our head office is based in Darlington along with our High Row Branch.

Job Information

Location: Darlington, Hybrid working (must be able to attend Head Office and branch network as required – on average two days a week)

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: From £61,222.45+ Dependant experinace