Head of Credit

OVERALL SUMMARY

At Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. We celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. Vacancies are available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis because we know the best person for the job isn’t always available full-time. Our aim is to facilitate requests wherever possible and managers will consider requests on an individual basis.

Join the Close Brothers Credit Risk Team in either the Wimbledon or London.  This a pivotal role, where you’ll oversee credit underwriting and risk management across our Asset and Leasing businesses. As a member of the Bank’s Credit Committee, you’ll underwrite complex transactions in line with our credit risk appetite and policy, while providing expert guidance to the teams.  

You’ll direct credit strategy, policy, and assurance across a decentralised model of 10 regional offices, supporting around 40 underwriters, plus a central team focused on large and complex deals. You’ll also manage a team of 8 asset auditors and play a key role in shaping training, development and career progression across the credit community. This is a high-impact role with a strong focus on business engagement, SME advice, and strategic influence. A perfect position for someone ready to influence credit decisions at scale and drive excellence across the organisation.

This role falls under the senior management certification regime and has been identified as a ‘material risk taker’.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Credit Approval, Oversight & Risk Management

• Underwrite facilities within a significant personal mandate from across the CBAFL businesses as well as being a credit member at Group Credit Committee
• Oversee in-life portfolio management, identifying emerging risks, and escalating appropriately
• Own and manage the asset audit function, ensuring effective service delivery
• Drive continuous improvement across underwriting and credit processes
• Support Shared Services Underwriting across the Commercial division, contributing to cross-team issue resolution
• Direct quality assurance processes, providing feedback and resolving underwriting concerns

Business Engagement

• Act as a trusted SME for credit risk across CBAFL, offering strategic guidance and support
• Provide updates on portfolio quality and risk matters at business boards and risk and compliance committees
• Promote new business initiatives by assessing and mitigating credit risks
• Deliver training and best practice guidance to enhance credit risk appreciation

Projects & Strategic Initiatives

• Steer credit risk projects
• Act as a subject matter expert, advising other risk teams including modelling

Culture & Compliance

• Influence deal structuring to mitigate risk and ensure policy compliance
• Ensure governance and regulatory standards are met

Developing Our People: as a line manager, you will be responsible for inspiring and motivating your team, as well as developing performance through coaching. You will encourage your team to take responsibility for their own personal development and provide support through regular feedback.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU HAVE:

• Significant credit experience in financial services, particularly with Commercial and SME customers, and a strong track record in credit approval and portfolio management
• Solid knowledge of banking products and services
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide high-performing teams
• A sound understanding of security, legal, and documentation risks in credit transactions
• Strong analytical, written, and presentation skills
• Confidence in engaging with internal and external stakeholders and building effective working relationships
• Degree educated or equivalent industry qualification

IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU HAVE/ARE:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant or similar.

We are an inclusive organisation and committed to ensuring our recruitment process is as accessible as possible to everyone. We will make adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or would like to discuss the recruitment process with us, please email us at recruit.ssc@closebrothers.com or request a call back.

ABOUT US

At Close Brothers we support employees to balance their work life priorities and in this role you will be able to enjoy a mixture of hybrid working.

Close Brothers is a leading UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking and securities trading. We employ approximately 3,000 people, principally in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250.

To find out more about Close Brothers, please visit our careers page: https://www.closebrothers.com/careers

To find out more about life at Close Brothers:
https://www.closebrothers.com/life-close-brothers#374017299-899295541

To find out more about our benefits:
https://www.closebrothers.com/employee-benefits

To find out more about our commitment to creating an inclusive environment:
Our Responsibility - Diversity and inclusion ¦ Close Brothers Group

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