Head Mortgage Lending - Credit Structuring and Approval

Are you ready to lead high-stakes mortgage decisions while shaping the strategy of a credit portfolio? Within our Risk department, we are looking for someone to lead our Mortgage Lending – Credit Structuring and Approval team.
What would your role be?
Manage and lead the mortgage credit structuring and approval team, including hiring, development, coaching, and performance management of team members whilst promoting team spirit, collaboration, and a high-performance culture
Foster a strong, shared risk culture within the team, promoting accountability, sound judgment, and adherence to the bank’s risk appetite and standards
Actively manage the existing credit book and ensure appropriate oversight for all relevant processes and responsibilities within the mortgage lending process
Drive and take full responsibility for the analysis, structuring and underwriting of larger and more complex mortgage requests
Constructively challenge, offer solutions, and provide risk-oriented advice in structuring credit solutions and pro-actively work with stakeholders in the front organization to ensure implementable outcomes in line with the bank’s credit risk appetite and policies are met
Proven capability to navigate complex discussions and confidently challenge viewpoints where appropriate
Collaborate closely and communicate effectively with our front office, second line of defence, legal & compliance and senior management
Actively support and take ownership for the implementation of the mortgage strategy incl. related projects and initiatives as special matter expert
Constantly drive development and improvement of our credit processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness
What are we looking for?
University degree in Banking & Finance or equivalent higher education
At least 15+ years of proven experience and expertise in a Swiss mortgage credit underwriting function in the financial industry
Excellent understanding and in-depth knowhow of the Swiss mortgage business with international clientele, related end-to-end processes and the Swiss real estate market
Strong analytical and structuring skills, combined with a “can-do” attitude, an ability to judge risks independently and enable business thanks to also a strong client and service-focus
Strong negotiation and communication skills in German and English (additional French and/or Italian would be an asset), combined with the ability to develop and maintain a professional stakeholder management
Experience in the management of a small team as well as a Swiss mortgage book
What do we offer?
Top Zurich location with collaboration spaces (including rooftop terraces) and free lunch
Friendly, diverse team in an open-office space
All the latest technology to help you excel and advance
Agile environment in how we think, the way we work and our trust for each other
Flat hierarchy with collaboration at all levels
Campus feeling and a collaborative spirit
We are looking for talented people, not just a CV that ticks all the boxes. Even if you do not have absolutely everything we have asked for, if this role sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply.
Why Vontobel?
At Vontobel, you are building better futures for our clients and society, as well as for yourself. As a family-owned and publicly listed company with over 2,000 professionals based in 28 locations globally and headquartered in Zurich, we’re committed to long-term thinking and sustainability.
Our diverse team values unique perspectives, and we hire individuals determined to deliver in a dynamic and changing world. Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply if you’re enthusiastic about the role.
Do you want to be Vontobel?
Thank you for applying to Vontobel. We will carefully review your application and will respond to you in a timely manner.
At Vontobel, we are an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity.
We value the many voices within our teams and are committed to creating an environment where everyone who wants to be part of our performance culture can be themselves. It is based on mutual respect and zero tolerance for any form of discrimination.
If you have any questions you can contact us through our contact form.