Senior Credit Risk Analyst job at Rickmansworth Full Time

Role Purpose

You will lead the reporting, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive assessment of the credit risk portfolios throughout the product lifecycle, encompassing both onboarding/lending and in-life credit policies. This role will drive the evaluation and strategic management of credit risk, ensuring that our credit policies are robust, effective, and aligned with the company’s risk appetite. You will independently prepare and present advanced data analyses to inform and influence key decision-making processes, with a primary focus on optimising the health and performance of our credit portfolios.

Working closely with the wider Credit teams, you will proactively collaborate and provide expert guidance to ensure that data-driven insights and strategic recommendations are developed and implemented to enhance and maintain the Bank’s credit risk position.

Description

• Lead the evaluation and optimisation of the creditworthiness assessment of potential clients during the onboarding phase, ensuring alignment with relevant regulation and the company’s risk appetite under guidance.
• Proactively monitor and provide strategic insights on the credit risk profile and Cost of Risk performance of existing portfolios, identifying and proactively mitigating potential risks throughout the loan lifecycle. Drive the development and implementation of advanced credit risk mitigation strategies, including improving collection and recovery processes, to optimize capital allocation and ensure effective in-life credit policies.
• Act as a key liaison and lead collaboration with wider Credit teams, as well as cross-functional teams, including but not limited to collections, compliance and risk, to ensure cohesive and integrated risk management practices.
• Independently research and interpret industry and economic trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in credit risk management, translating these into actionable recommendations for the company’s policies and strategic direction.
• Champion a culture of data-driven insights, continuously improving processes and policies, and overseeing appropriate data quality and cataloguing is maintained.
• Conduct complex analysis and develop strategic recommendations for opportunities to maximise customer and regulatory outcomes whilst balancing portfolio risk and growth.
• Prepare and present detailed, high-impact reports, analysis, and presentations for senior management, committees, and other stakeholders, clearly articulating key findings and driving consensus on strategic recommendations.
• Lead or manage key credit risk projects as required, ensuring successful delivery and measurable impact.

Knowledge & Skills

Core Credit Risk Expertise & Process Management:

• Expert-level understanding and practical application of end-to-end credit risk management processes within Financial Services, with a proven track record of optimising and enhancing these processes.

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge:

• Comprehensive and up-to-date expertise in prevailing regulation under both the FCA, PRA and IFRS regimes (inc. CONC, Consumer Duty & IFRS9). In-depth knowledge of ECB regulation is highly desirable. Ability to interpret, apply, and advise on these regulations to ensure compliance and strategic alignment.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:

• Highly proactive and intellectually curious, with a demonstrated ability to independently lead complex problem-solving initiatives. Expert in analysing large and intricate data sets, identifying critical trends, and driving impactful, data-driven strategic decisions.
• Advanced proficiency with analytical data tools (such as SAS, SQL & Microsoft Office), with the ability to develop sophisticated models and analyses.

Communication, Influence & Project Management:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.

Benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave
• Private Healthcare – Self + Partner Cover
• Annual bonus scheme – up to 10% non-contractual bonus
• COP Car Scheme (£37.50 per month) – Available to order within the first month
• Loan Plan Scheme – entitled up to 2 vehicles at any one time
• Employee pension contribution of 3.5%/Employer pension contribution of 7.22%
• Flexible Benefit Scheme