Head of Credit

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Credit plays a critical role in managing the credit risk in the Bank and ensuring sound credit stewardship within the Banking team. Reporting directly to the Chief Banking Officer, this leadership role is responsible for first line risk management of the Bank’s lending, authorising delegated credit discretion to Bankers and the overall quality and compliance of the credit book. The role is designated a Material Risk Taker for the Bank.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

Leadership and Management

• As a member of the Banking Senior Management Team, contribute to the leadership of the function driving the Bank’s strategy and business objectives.
• Supported by two Senior Sanctioning Officers oversee the quality of lending analysis and decision making of the Banking team.
• Work closely with the Heads of Banking to ensure positive development of credit skills and capability.
• Approve credit proposals above delegated discretion levels and below Credit Committee levels.
• Member of the Bank’s Credit Committee.

Operational Excellence

• Head of Credit, along with first and second line colleagues, will take part in a project to rework of the Bank’s lending policy and procedures with the objective of enabling easier decision making, streamlining processes, report writing, and improving the quality of output.
• Assure the quality of credit decisions with ongoing feedback and development training with banking team.
• Assure the quality of “in life” credit management including early identification of financial difficulties. E.g. Annual reviews, refer list management, etc.
• Ensure clients displaying early signs of distress/deterioration in credit quality are added to the ‘Watchlist’ and afforded the appropriate support and attention.
• Work with Credit Risk team on all relevant areas of credit management e.g. health of the credit portfolio, risk appetite, policy and distress/arrears management.
• Drive ongoing standardisation of efficient processes, workflows, and ways of working across all aspects of the credit process.
• Ongoing execution and management of credit function controls in relation to the Bank’s lending, and documenting this using the Bank’s Risk and Control Self-Assessment system.

Training and Competency

• Provide regular and relevant training to Banking team.
• Along with the Head of Credit Risk determine and deliver thematic and specialised training to help the Bank fulfil its strategy.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Work with the Credit Risk Team to identify opportunities for improvement and issues that need addressing
• Present the status of the credit portfolio and ongoing risk management to relevant committees
• Work with the Heads of Banking teams to provide feedback on Banker’s performance with lending
• Support organisational projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring the team’s alignment and contribution to broader business goals.
• Build and maintain constructive and effective relationships across the business in line with the Bank’s culture and behaviours.
• Work closely with the Head of Product for lending to develop the bank’s proposition and policies.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Experience of working with all levels of seniority within Banking and specifically credit risk.
• Strong understanding of lending and credit risk management including arrears and distressed credits.
• Ability to manage workload planning and project capacity effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commitment to fostering a high-performance culture and developing team capabilities and competence.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and compliance requirements within the banking industry. MCOB would be helpful. Ideally CeMAP qualified.
• Technical specialist and strong ability to apply knowledge of credit risk control systems, processes and reporting.

About us

At Hampden Bank, we provide private banking as it should be: approachable, accessible expertise delivered through loyal, long-lasting client relationships. Personalised service is at the core of our business, with a culture that is built on relationships. We take the time to get to know our clients to help them achieve their aspirations.

Why join us

As a growing and ambitious company, we seek people to join our team who share our values; Proud Ownership, Absolute Integrity, Total Inclusivity, Winning Teamwork and Purposeful Growth. 

We are committed to an inclusive culture where everyone is comfortable to be their authentic self. We recognise, value and respect diverse cultures, knowledge, and identities. We work together to ensure collaboration, development, and success for everyone, supporting them to thrive and reach their potential.

We offer exciting career opportunities through professional and personal development, and have an extensive range of benefits you can enjoy.

To apply

Please submit your CV by the closing date. Please remember, on occasion we do receive more applications than expected we may bring the closing date forward, so please do apply promptly.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting the People Team and we will endeavour assist you.

If you are excited about this opportunity and think you can bring value to the role and Hampden Bank, but your experience does not align perfectly with every aspect of what we are looking for, we would be happy to hear from you.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the role, please contact the People Team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Hybrid working / flexible working

We support hybrid working and our policy is that colleagues spend at least 60% of their working week in the office to connect and collaborate with their colleagues.

We are open to considering requests from candidates who are looking for flexible arrangements. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you are looking for, and we will explore what is possible for the role. We cannot promise to meet every request, but we will not judge you for asking.