Job Title: Assistant Underwriting Manager Location: Fleet, Hampshire Hybrid working post successful completion of 3-month probation About Fleet Mortgages We are Fleet Mortgages, a people-focused business specialising in buy-to-let lending. We’ve been providing our fair and trusted service since 2014, and we were acquired by Starling Bank in 2021. Today, we continue to start good conversations with intermediaries and brokers looking to secure finance for landlords and limited companies of all shapes and sizes. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional BTL solutions to our partners while building a business to be proud of. Job Purpose This role is to assist and support the Head of Underwriting acting as deputy when requested to do so, ensuring that Fleet Mortgages business targets and objectives are met. Managing direct reports and having oversight over the Underwriting Team within the Fleet office. Key Responsibilities · Assist in the evaluation and analysis of mortgage loan applications to determine the borrower’s creditworthiness. · Assess loan documents including income verification, credit history, portfolio landlords, and property valuations, to ensure they meet lending criteria and appetite. · Approve or recommend loan decisions within delegated mandate limits, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures. · Support the Head of Underwriting in overseeing the Underwriting Team, providing day-to-day leadership, and ensuring team members meet performance standards. · Assist in mentoring and training of new starters, providing guidance on underwriting practices and policies. · Contribute to regular team meetings to discuss workflow, policy changes, and address any challenges. · Ensure a high level of customer service is provided throughout the underwriting process · Manage, oversee, and prioritise the underwriting pipeline to ensure timely processing and decision-making of mortgage loan applications. · Collaborate with the Head of Underwriting and Operations Training Specialist to develop and implement best practices and standard operating procedures. · Participate in or lead projects aimed at improving the underwriting function or addressing emerging challenges in the mortgage market. · Support the integration and utilisation of new tools and software to streamline the underwriting process. · Collaborate with Sales Team to enhance the overall customer experience and satisfaction with the mortgage process. · Assist in conducting training needs assessments to identify gaps in knowledge and skills among underwriting staff. · Review underwriting procedures and work with Operational Senior Management help to identify inefficiencies. · Serve as a liaison between underwriting teams and other departments to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. · Where necessary assist in working the underwriting task list to manage SLAs Qualifications and Experience · Strong knowledge of mortgage lending processes, underwriting guidelines, and regulatory requirements. · Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess risk and make sound underwriting decisions. · Effective leadership and team management capabilities. · Proficiency in mortgage underwriting software (DPR) · Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with various stakeholders. · Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills. · Leadership / coaching skills · Approachable, tactful, and confident · Strong presentation skills · Team player · Adaptable · Hold a lending mandate · Mortgage industry experience · Strong written & verbal communication skills · Previous Underwriting experience necessary What we can offer you 11% non-contributory pension scheme 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service Annual leave buying scheme Discretionary Bonus scheme Private Medical Insurance 4x Basic Annual Salary Life Assurance Income Protection Scheme Paid time off to volunteer Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme Opportunity to gain formally recognised industry qualifications