Lending Specialist - 12 month FTC

To support the Real Estate Underwriting function across buy-to-let and commercial investment mortgage lending by delivering a high-quality case management service. The role plays a key part in ensuring the efficient progression of applications from initial assessment through to offer and completion, maintaining accuracy, consistency, and strong service standards throughout. Key relationships/interfaces: Brokers, customers, surveyors, solicitors, New Business Teams, Sales and Marketing Teams, Credit Risk Department, Finance Department, Legal & Compliance Department, Customer Operations Department.  Key Responsibilities  • Provide end-to-end case support to the underwriting team, ensuring applications are progressed in line with internal policies and service level expectations.  • Understand key items such as credit searches, bank statements, property valuations and business appraisals in order to support the full mortgage application journey.  • Deliver high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in data input and all written communication produced.  • Build and maintain successful working relationships with external contacts including brokers, customers, surveyors and solicitors, as well as internal teams such as administrators, Underwriters, Completion officers, credit risk and finance, ensuring all lending requirements are satisfied prior to release of funds.  • Effectively manage a pipeline of cases through to completion, ensuring compliance with both company service standards and lending policy throughout.  • Handle all internal and external telephone and email enquiries efficiently and in line with company standards.  • Maintain a thorough understanding of all company policies, procedures and compliance guidelines, embedding these principles into daily practice to protect the business from associated risks.  • Embrace and apply the principles of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) and responsible lending.  • Review referral outcomes and prepare associated documentation, including the production of Indicative Mortgage Offers (IMOs) where required.  Other tasks and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  • Assessing and conducting a range of checks including credit searches, Land Registry searches, aggregation checks, Companies House records and customer conduct reviews  • Assessing supporting documentation such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), identification and verification materials, and adverse media searches  • Ensuring all cases are fully packaged, with appropriate documentation and information available to support underwriting decisions  • Providing additional support to underwriters by issuing formal mortgage offers and managing associated documentation  • Undertaking post-offer case management activities, including processing amendments, reissuing offers and handling extensions in line with policy  Experience • GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English  • Relevant banking/lending experience  Technical / Specialist Knowledge & Skills:  • Computer literate with good knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)  • Knowledge of TCF (Treating Customers Fairly)  • Good knowledge of compliance procedures within the mortgage industry  • Ability to read valuations, business appraisals and credit searches  Interpersonal:  • Adaptable and flexible  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team  • Excellent planning and organisational skills  • Enthusiastic “can do” attitude  • Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail  • Professional and well presented  • Establishes effective working relationships at all levels  • Customer-focused approach  • Pro