Job Description

Location:

Hybrid working with 5 days per fortnight in our Head Office (Leek, Staffordshire) and the remaining time remotely.

Employment type:

Full-time,12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Salary:

25,224 - 28,664 - Depending on experience

Working hours:

35 hours per week, worked flexibly.

Reports to:

Underwriting Manager

Direct Reports:

None

The Organisation

Leek Building Society is an award winning, highly admired, local building society that is owned and trusted by its members.



Were a great place to work, with an exceptional culture, but dont just take our word for it. We ranked in the

top 10 of UK employers, and the top 100 of global employers in the Inspiring Workplaces Awards 2024

, and were on a mission to become even stronger.



Were also a socially responsible, inclusive employer, deeply committed to ensuring that everyone is supported to perform at their best.



Youll be joining the business at a fantastic time of growth, with a transformational investment in our systems, people and processes to put our customers at the heart of everything we do.

Job Purpose & Scope

As a key member of the Mortgage Underwriting Team, the role is responsible for assessing and processing new mortgage and additional borrowing applications through to offer stage. This must be done in full compliance with the Societys policies, procedures, and service level agreements, ensuring sound lending decisions that protect the Societys interests.



The role demands a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining operational integrity and regulatory compliance. The job holder will also proactively identify and challenge existing processes to enhance customer experience and drive business efficiency.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Mortgage Underwriting

Assess and underwrite mortgage and additional borrowing applications in line with product criteria, Responsible Lending Policy, and service standards. Review submitted documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and correct input into the Activate system. Provide clear, well-reasoned decisions to approve or decline applications, documenting rationale appropriately. Identify cases requiring referral to internal/external parties or escalation to higher mandate holders. Complete all required Mortgage Application Check Forms, applying relevant conditions, hold codes, and collateral codes. Recommend any cases outside mandate to the management team and ensure all cases hold a robust documented rationale for the lending decision.

Communication

Communicate promptly and professionally with intermediaries, customers, and colleagues to ensure efficient application processing and accurate information exchange. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to progress applications to offer stage within agreed timescales, proactively chasing outstanding items.

Systems Management

Support testing of new software releases on the Activate system, reporting issues and proposing solutions as needed. Maintain and update relevant sections of the Systems and Process Manuals. Ensure all systems are accurately updated following each interaction or decision point.

Management Information (MI)

Assist in the preparation and delivery of MI reports relevant to the underwriting function.

Change & Continuous Improvement

Support the implementation of new processes, procedures, and system updates. Actively contribute feedback and suggestions to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate risks within the underwriting process, ensuring all risk events are recorded in accordance with policy.

General Duties

Perform any other reasonable duties as required, including providing cover for colleagues to maintain service continuity.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential



Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong general IT literacy


Desirable

Familiarity with Activate and CSR systems. Understanding of mortgage lending policies (training provided). CeMAP qualification (or working towards). Awareness of mortgage regulations relevant to the role.

Experience

Proven experience in mortgage underwriting is essential.

Skills & Abilities

Strong decision-making skills with accountability for outcomes and risk awareness. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain decisions clearly and professionally. Well-organised and able to manage workload effectively under pressure to meet service standards. Collaborative team player with initiative and a customer-focused approach. Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, with a proactive attitude toward problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

Willingness to travel to other business locations as required A Basic DBS check will be undertaken upon an offer of employment.

What benefits are on offer:

Competitive salary rates 35 hour working week (full-time) Contributory Stakeholder Pension Scheme Free health screening Minimum of 23 days paid holiday per annum plus bank and public holidays Parental Schemes Sick Pay guaranteed for 6 months for major illnesses Holiday purchase/sale scheme Life assurance of 4 times your annual salary Employee assistance programme Continuous development opportunities Were open to discussing working flexibly Onsite gym available to employees

If the above sounds like something youd thrive at, wed love to hear from you