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.

• 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 judgement, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.