This is a pivotal role in shaping the banks credit oversight framework.
The role sits at the heart of the second line, with responsibility for independent challenge, portfolio insight, and the governance of credit risk models. For someone with ambition, there’s a clear pathway to broader financial risk leadership as the organisation scales.
What’s in it for you
- Clear marked out progression to leadership
- Hybrid working
- Day to day exposure to senior leadership & a stake in strategic decision making
- High impact role with real ownership - this is end to end Credit Risk Management.
- An opportunity to sharpen your skills across multiple Credit Risk facets
- Best in class culture & working environment
What you’ll be doing
- Designing and embedding a credit risk appetite tailored to SME and commercial lending.
- Providing second-line oversight of credit policies, sector exposures, and risk models.
- Monitoring portfolio performance and market trends to highlight early risks.
- Leading model governance and independent validation.
- Presenting risk analysis and recommendations to the Executive team and Board.
- Helping build the risk infrastructure required for growth and diversification.
What we’re looking for
- A strong track record in credit risk management, ideally within SME, commercial, or specialist lending.
- Technical ability with tools such as Python, R, or SQL.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (PRA, Basel, IFRS 9).
- Experience with model validation and oversight.
- Confidence in engaging senior leaders with clear, evidence-based insights.
- An ambitious mindset with the appetite to grow into a broader financial risk role.
Nice to have
- Background in challenger banks, alternative lenders, or mid-sized financial institutions.
- Exposure to structured finance, asset-based lending, or sector-specific SME finance.
- Experience with portfolio acquisitions or inorganic growth strategies.
This is a chance to influence strategy, strengthen resilience, and position yourself as a future head of risk in a people invested entrepreneurial lender.
