Head of Retail Credit & Credit Risk Governance

The role is part of the Credit Risk Function which sits in the 2nd Line of Defence and is tasked with supporting the Chief Credit Officer (CCO) with credit risk decision-making activities, the ongoing development, embedding, and monitoring of the Bank's Credit Risk Management Framework, and ensuring that Credit Risk activities remain effective and aligned with the Bank's strategic objectives and the external economic environment.

The role holder will serve as Chair of the Credit Approvals Committee (CAC) and exercise personal delegated lending authority.

The role involves acting as the primary technical expert for the Bank's Retail Business activities and Asset Finance (DSME) lending within the Commercial Business Franchise, responsible for maintaining and evolving the Bank's Credit Risk Policies. The role also includes managing the team, ensuring adequate resourcing, recruitment, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Leadership

• Lead and manage a high-performing team, collaborating with the Deputy CCO and other Credit Risk Team Heads to allocate resources effectively.
• Prepare and present analyses and findings to internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Identify strategies and action plans to improve processes and leverage automation within the Credit Risk Function.

• Challenge proposed growth strategies and risk appetite changes from the 1st Line.

People and Culture

• Create a supportive, motivating, and collaborative work environment.
• Support colleagues' development and career aspirations.
• Ensure team performance is high while maintaining staff well-being.
• Manage underperformance effectively.

Credit Sanctioning

• Make credit risk sanctioning decisions, primarily related to motor finance.

• Ensure all sanctioning decisions are well-considered, balanced, and informed, whether personal or as Chair of CAC.

Risk Committees

• Prepare papers for approval, noting, or discussion at various Risk Committees.
• Follow up on action points from these Committees.
• Participate as a Member or Chair of relevant Committees, representing Credit Risk.

Credit Risk Management

• Oversee credit risk for Retail Business, providing support and challenge at risk meetings.
• Analyze and challenge credit risk data and portfolio performance.
• Monitor credit risk performance metrics and identify trends or issues.
• Assess and communicate the performance of credit rating models.
• Provide oversight on risk identification, assessment, mitigation, management, and reporting processes.
• Collaborate with the 1st Line to ensure portfolio growth is sustainable and controlled.

Credit Risk Governance & Framework

• Manage development and maintenance of Credit Risk policies.
• Support policy embedding and operational implementation.
• Assist in developing and implementing the credit risk strategy.
• Monitor compliance with risk appetite and limits.
• Guide and support 1st Line Risk teams on process evolution and compliance.

The Person

• Deep understanding of the financial services sector, especially Credit Risk.
• Extensive knowledge of intermediary mortgage lending processes.
• Strong knowledge of FCA sourcebooks, especially MCOB and COCON.
• Understanding of Credit Risk appetite and management frameworks.
• Ability to operate effectively at senior management levels.
• Exhibit transparency, professionalism, and leadership skills.
• Focus on developing people and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.
• Sound judgment, independence, and risk awareness.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects under pressure.
• High energy, drive, and commitment.
• Strategic thinking and solution development skills.