Credit Risk LeadDepartment: Credit Risk
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Atlanta
DescriptionThe RoleWe are seeking a Credit Risk Lead to oversee and drive the next phase of growth in our US business. Whilst the role is US market focused, like most of our functions, it is based out of our global headquarters in London.
In this role, you will lead the US credit risk and underwriting team, owning, developing and innovating our credit strategy ensuring consistent, high-quality credit decisions aligned with the company's risk appetite and regulatory obligations. You will partner closely with senior risk leadership, Product, Data, Compliance, and Commercial teams to strengthen credit policies, optimize decisioning frameworks, and maintain strong portfolio performance.
This role requires deep credit risk expertise and an ability to thrive in a fast paced environment. Outstanding interpersonal skills will be required both to lead the team and collaborate with business partners and senior management. You will be empowered to manage and be accountable for team performance, underwriting quality, operational efficiency, and the delivery of key risk outcomes in this strategically critical and high profile market.
Key Responsibilities- Overall market Credit Risk
- Ownership of the Credit Strategy for the US market
- Directly contribute to delivery of business KPIs as part of the wider US management team (e.g. growth, profitability, loss rate etc.)
- Collaborate with Credit Risk leads across all geographic markets contributing to global targets by sharing toolkit, insights, innovations and emerging risks
- Credit strategy development and innovation
- Ownership and delivery of the US Credit Strategy development and innovation roadmap socialised and agreed with business partners and senior leadership
- Continuous development and innovation of our Credit Strategy to maintain a market leading strategic capabilty
- Close collaboration with capital markets, product, tech, legal, compliance and operational teams to ensure strategic alignment, regulatory compliance and an integrated customer proposition
- Portfolio performance monitoring and management
- Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in credit quality, losses, and early risk indicators.
- Prepare and present risk reporting and insights to senior management including preparing for and leading Credit Committee discussions
- Recommend actions to mitigate emerging risks and optimise portfolio outcomes
- Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a small team of credit risk analysts and underwriters.
- Recruit for and develop the team in line with our culture and values creating a tenured, talented and recognised centre of Credit Risk excellence
- Governance, Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Own and maintain the Risk Governance Framework including Credit Risk Policy and Process documentation in relation to the US market and federal / state regulatory requirements
- Oversee credit underwriting and risk assessment processes to ensure consistent application of credit policies and risk appetite including calling out issues and collaborating with 2nd line Quality Assurance teams
- Review complex or escalated cases and provide guidance on structured risk decisions
Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseEssential Skills:- 5+ years of experience in credit risk, underwriting, or a related risk management function within financial services, fintech, lending, or commercial credit
- Strong understanding of credit underwriting principles, data science model application, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio risk management.
- Outstanding quantitative and deductive reasoning skills; quickly able to identify insights in complex multi-dimensional data sets and autonomously develop and pursue solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain risk concepts to non-technical audiences
- Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and influence cross-functional stakeholders
- Ability to evaluate financial statements, cash flow, and credit data to inform structured risk decisions
- Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Desirable Skills:- Experience in SME Lending
- Familiarity with US lending regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience working in other international markets
BenefitsWhy join YouLend? - Award-Winning Workplace: YouLend has been recognised as one of the "Best Places to Work in 2024, 2025 and 2026" by the Sunday Times for being a supportive, diverse, and rewarding workplace.
- Award-Winning Fintech: YouLend has been recognised as a "Top 250 Fintech Worldwide" company by CNBC.
It's just getting fun:- We have developed powerful solutions, won some significant partnerships, and are growing at a rapid pace.
- But the global opportunity is still massive, and YouLend is a raw organisation where we are only just getting started.
Lots of upsides:- High-growth (>100% growth during 2022 and 2023), so clear outlook to compensation (bonus or share option appreciation) and career growth (through growth with business).
- Well-capitalised with supportive private equity backing.
- Part of Banking Circle Group with a fully licensed Luxembourg bank, which can provide a balance sheet and support European expansion in otherwise complex regulated markets.
Motivating work environment: - A high-quality team that pushes each other to succeed through direct feedback and aligned incentives.
- Strong and transparent team culture, we have each other's backs.
- Independent work environment where results matter.
- Data-driven culture and emphasis on speed (anti-red tape).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: - Health Care Coverage. Youlend covers 80%; employee contribution is 20% of the premium.
- Medical Plan (medical insurance and prescription drug coverage)- Choice of 5 different plans through United Healthcare.
- Dental plan coverage
- Vision plan coverage
- Benefits can be for: Employee only; Employee & Spouse; Employee & Child; Employee & Family
- Retirement - 401K match. Employee match $1 for $1 up to 5% of salary.
- Basic Life & AD&D Insurance.
- International travel insurance covered if traveling abroad for work purposes.
- Paid Time Off (PTO)- 20 working days (4 weeks) + US public holidays
- Paid Office Parking
