Deputy Head of Credit - Commercial & SME Lending Location: Central London (Hybrid - 3 days in office, 2 from home after 3-month probation) Salary: 110,000 per annum

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of Credit to support the leadership of the UK Credit Risk function. This high-impact role involves managing credit approval processes, monitoring portfolio performance, and ensuring regulatory and policy compliance across commercial and SME lending.

• Support the Head of Credit in overseeing the independent credit risk approval function.

• Assess and approve complex credit proposals, identifying key risk areas and providing sound recommendations.

• Maintain and enhance the Bank's credit approval framework, including credit policies, procedures, and KPIs.

• Monitor ongoing credit quality and risk dynamics at both portfolio and individual client levels.

• Act as a key voting member and secretary to the Country Credit Committee - organise meetings, minute decisions, circulate urgent approvals.

• Manage internal and external credit risk reporting, ensuring timely submissions to Group, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

• Deliver training and coaching to credit staff and ensure consistent application of credit risk standards across the organisation.

• Engage with internal teams (Compliance, Audit, Finance, Credit Admin, Monitoring) and support risk-related IT projects.

• At least 3 years of relevant credit experience in the UK, specifically in commercial, SME, and Buy-to-Let lending.

• Strong understanding of PRA, FCA, and Basel regulations.

• In-depth credit analysis skills, including financial statement review, risk identification, and structuring recommendations.

• Familiarity with on and off-balance sheet credit risks and mitigants.

• Experience with emerging market SMEs and knowledge of sector trends is desirable.

• Comfortable using Excel and credit risk tools for analysis and reporting.

• Exposure to credit remediation and workout scenarios is a plus.

• Proven leadership and decision-making ability in credit risk environments.

• Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge and improve credit structures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Confident in stakeholder engagement across senior management and cross-functional teams.

This is an exceptional opportunity to step into a leadership position within a respected financial institution, shaping the future of credit risk and portfolio quality.

Apply now to join a dynamic team in a hybrid working environment based in Central London.