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: From £29,668
Working hours: 35 hours per week, worked flexibly.
Reports to: Underwriting Manager
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. Weve created an inclusive, engaging workplace where colleagues have the freedom to be themselves and grow their careers.
Were proud to be an award winning employer, accredited as a Great Place to Work based on our latest colleague survey, with a continued focus on helping everyone reach their 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 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
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Assess and underwrite mortgage and additional borrowing applications in line with product criteria, Responsible Lending Policy, and service standards.
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Review submitted documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and correct input into the Activate system.
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Provide clear, well-reasoned decisions to approve or decline applications, documenting rationale appropriately.
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Identify cases requiring referral to internal/external parties or escalation to higher mandate holders.
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Complete all required Mortgage Application Check Forms, applying relevant conditions, hold codes, and collateral codes.
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Recommend any cases outside mandate to the management team and ensure all cases hold a robust documented rationale for the lending decision.
Communication
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Communicate promptly and professionally with intermediaries, customers, and colleagues to ensure efficient application processing and accurate information exchange.
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Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to progress applications to offer stage within agreed timescales, proactively chasing outstanding items.
Systems Management
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Support testing of new software releases on the Activate system, reporting issues and proposing solutions as needed.
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Maintain and update relevant sections of the Systems and Process Manuals.
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Ensure all systems are accurately updated following each interaction or decision point.
Management Information (MI)
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Assist in the preparation and delivery of MI reports relevant to the underwriting function.
Change & Continuous Improvement
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Support the implementation of new processes, procedures, and system updates.
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Actively contribute feedback and suggestions to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
Risk Management
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Identify and mitigate risks within the underwriting process, ensuring all risk events are recorded in accordance with policy.
General Duties
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Perform any other reasonable duties as required, including providing cover for colleagues to maintain service continuity.
To carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
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Strong general IT literacy
Desirable
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Familiarity with Activate and CSR systems.
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Understanding of mortgage lending policies (training provided).
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CeMAP qualification (or working towards).
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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.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain decisions clearly and professionally.
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Well-organised and able to manage workload effectively under pressure to meet service standards.
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Collaborative team player with initiative and a customer-focused approach.
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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.
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A Basic DBS check will be undertaken upon an offer of employment.
What benefits are on offer:
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35 hour working week (full-time)
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7.5% employer pension contribution
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Minimum of 26 days paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays
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Holiday purchase/sale scheme
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Free health screening
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24/7 GP access for you and your close family
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Comprehensive mental health support including counselling sessions and mental health first aiders
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Workplace savings account with £100 bonus when you save regularly
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Enhanced sick and family leave pay from day 1
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Sick Pay guaranteed for 6 months for major illnesses
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Life assurance of 4 times your annual salary
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Continuous development opportunities
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Retailer discounts and salary sacrifice/deduction schemes
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Were open to discussing working flexibly
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Onsite gym at Head Office
If the above sounds like something youd thrive at, wed love to hear from you
