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, permanent position.

Salary:

28,663 to 32,102 depending on experience.

Working hours:

35 hours per week, worked flexibly.

Reports to:

Chief Underwriter

Direct Reports:

None

?

The Organisation

At Leek Building Society, we pride ourselves on being a force for good. We exist to help our communities grow, so they can do great things today - and even better things tomorrow.

Our colleagues are one of the communities we support. We've created an inclusive and engaging hybrid workplace where colleagues have the freedom to be themselves and grow their careers.

As the winner of the

SME People Management award

at the 2025 CIPD People Management Awards, the

8th most Inspiring Workplace in the UK

, and a

Top 100 globally Inspiring Workplace

, we're committed to maintaining our award-winning proposition while helping our colleagues reach their true potential.

?

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 Society's policies, procedures, and service level agreements, ensuring sound lending decisions that protect the Society's 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.?

Conduct Rules?

?All employees and NEDs are expected to act in accordance with the PRA and FCA Conduct Rules:? You must act with integrity.? You must act with due skill, care and diligence.? You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, the PRA and other regulators.? You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly.? You must observe proper standards of market conduct.? You must act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers.?

Financial Crime?

?All employees and NEDs are expected to:? Be aware of their personal legal obligations and the legal obligations of the Society in relation to Financial Crime? Be aware of the Society's Anti-Money Laundering systems and controls and follow the Society's procedures? Be alert for anything suspicious in respect of money laundering or fraud and report any suspicions in line with internal procedures? Do not discuss any suspicions with anyone outside of the Society and do not 'tip off' a customer or prejudice an investigation.?

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.?
Regulatory Knowledge (Internal Training Provided):?

TCF/Conduct Risk? FCA Regulation - BCOBS & Senior Manager Regime/Certification Regime/Conduct Rules? Anti-Money Laundering? Data Protection Act? Equality Act / Equal Opportunities? Complaints Procedure? Health and Safety?

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

Travel to other business locations when required
?

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 We're open to discussing working flexibly Onsite gym available to employees
?

If the above sounds like something you'd thrive at, we'd love to hear from you

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,663.00-32,102.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site gym On-site parking Paid volunteer time Referral programme Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Staffordshire ST13 5DL