Head of Lending

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.