DEFC Group

Underwriting Team Manager - Buy to Let & Residential Specialist Lending Hybrid Senior Leadership Role Our client, a growing specialist mortgage lender, is looking for an experienced Underwriting Team Manager to lead its mortgage processing and underwriting function . This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll manage performance, own workflow and still operate as a Senior Underwriter , approving cases within mandate. If you understand BTL, Residential lending, credit risk and specialist underwriting - and you're confident leading a team - this is a serious opportunity. The Role You will: Lead and develop the Underwriting & Mortgage Processing teams Conduct 1-2-1s, performance management and productivity oversight Manage pipeline allocation and service levels Underwrite and approve Buy to Let and Residential mortgage applications Complete 2nd reviews on team cases Ensure lending aligns with credit risk policy, compliance and regulation Own departmental processes and continuous improvement Support MI reporting and operational strategy Liaise with compliance and third-party servicing partners This is a key role in maintaining underwriting quality, governance and customer outcomes. What You'll Need Essential: Strong experience in Mortgage Underwriting (BTL and/or Residential) Experience managing or mentoring underwriting or case management teams In-depth understanding of credit risk, lending policy and compliance Ability to operate within mandate and justify decisions clearly Desirable: Specialist lending experience Exposure to intermediary-led mortgage models Experience improving underwriting processes or systems What's On Offer Bonus scheme (up to 10%) Hybrid working (3 days from home) Private medical insurance Life cover (4x salary) 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure Pension Clear progression within a scaling lender If you're currently a Senior Underwriter, Underwriting Manager or Mortgage Operations Manager and want real ownership in a specialist lending environment - this is worth a conversation.