A boutique lender, part of a larger group is currently looking for an experienced Head of Lending. A person with previous Bridging Underwriting, Business Development Management or Operations experience would suit. It specialises in providing short-term, unregulated bridging loans to UK-based applicants, secured on suitable UK properties on a first charge basis. With seed capital of £750,000 and an established sales process, it has already deployed several loans, achieving excellent financial returns. As part of the next phase of growth, it is seeking a proactive and highly skilled Head of Lending to lead and expand the business. Job Title: Head of Lending Location: Cardiff-based offices (Flexible working may be considered but regular office attendance is required) Employment Type: Full-time Salary: Competitive with performance-based incentives, including share options upon achieving growth targets. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Business Growth Take over the leadership, driving its strategic direction and growth. Establish and implement plans to achieve mutually agreed growth targets for the business. Develop and oversee the onboarding of new staff and create efficient systems and processes to scale operations effectively. Ensure compliance with all legal, operational, and financial regulations. Capital Raising Build and maintain relationships with private investors and institutional funding partners to raise capital for future lending. Present clear, compelling pitches to potential investors, showcasing the companies proven track record and growth potential. Profile Raising and Stakeholder Education Work closely with leadership to raise the profile within the group and externally. Educate staff about target customers and loan criteria to improve the quality and volume of enquiries. Act as the face of the business at networking events, industry conferences, and client meetings. Sales and Marketing Drive lead generation through a combination of internal referrals, external partnerships, and marketing campaigns. Strengthen relationships with brokers, solicitors, and other stakeholders in the property and lending markets. Optimise the sales process to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Operational Oversight Oversee all aspects of loan deployment, including due diligence, property evaluations, and liaising with local solicitors to secure first charges. Monitor financial performance, reporting key metrics to stakeholders and identifying areas for improvement. Candidate Requirements Experience: Proven experience working for a lender, preferably in the bridging finance or short-term loan sector. Strong understanding of the property market and lending operations in the UK. Track record of raising capital and managing investor relations is highly desirable. Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take ownership of tasks and deliver results. Strong team player, able to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the group High levels of organisational and strategic planning skills to manage growth effectively. Location: Must be based in or around Cardiff to work from the Cardiff-based offices and attend in-person meetings as required. Personal Qualities: Hardworking and adaptable, with a keen interest in the lending market. Commercially astute with a focus on delivering value for the business and its stakeholders. What We Offer Career Progression: A unique opportunity to take the helm of a boutique lender with a proven business model and significant growth potential. Share Options: Performance-based share options awarded after 18 months, subject to achieving growth targets. Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking and dynamic group of companies that values innovation and collaboration. Competitive Package: A remuneration package that reflects your experience and contribution to the business's success.