Operations Director – Real Estate (Debt Fund)

Job Description

My client is a niche non-bank lender who provides small ticket bridging and development finance.

Overview

Due to continued growth, we are looking to recruit an individual to support our expanding lending activities and play a key role in growing our loan book as we look to achieve our ambitious growth plans.

Responsibilities:

Underwriting & Credit Risk

• Directly managing the Head of Underwriting.
• A member of the credit committee alongside, Head of Underwriting and Managing Director.
• Monitor live loans, including staged drawdowns and ongoing covenant compliance.
• Manage arrears and default processes, recovery strategies, and portfolio performance monitoring.

Operations & Process Leadership

• Design and implement robust lending operations (application form workflow, drawdown monitoring, QS coordination, legal process, legal panel management and funding line reporting)
• Build and lead a small underwriting and ops team as the business grows.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and funding line requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in turnaround times, risk controls, and customer experience.

Sales Support & Origination

• Provide specialist support to the BDM sales team (who report directly to the Managing Director) to deliver origination KPIs including volume, pipeline, conversion rates and broker relationships.

Strategic Contribution

• Help shape lending policy, pricing, and product development.
• Contribute to the overall growth strategy of the business.
• Participate in key decisions as a senior leader.

What you will Bring:

• A thorough understanding of the UK property finance industry.
• Senior underwriting experience in development finance, bridging loans, or commercial property lending (minimum 7–10 years).
• Proven ability to build and improve operational processes.
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial attitude.
• Committed to providing 1st class customer service.
• A sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, etc

Location: Peterborough

Salary: up to £120,000 (depending on experience) plus bonus

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