Credit Manager, Secured Lending

What We Do:

We're Lula. We build innovative fintech products to help SMEs make cash flow. From instant access to funding to all-in-one business banking accounts, we're on it!

Our purpose is to help SMEs manage their business better, faster, simpler, Lula, so they can spend more time doing what they love.

Speaking of love, we’re looking for Lulas who love to make a difference to join our team and change the game.

CULTURE CODE

• We Embrace Curiosity- We continuously seek better ways to deliver value with a solutions-over-problems mindset.
• We win as One - We collaborate, build strong relationships and value diverse perspectives.
• We’re Driven by Purpose - We are passionate and committed to delivering the best products and services for SMEs.
• We Execute with Ambition - We set ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and deliver with focus and determination.

OVERALL PURPOSE

Lula is expanding! We're thrilled to be launching into secured business funding, and we're looking for a high-achieving individual to build this new capability from scratch. This is your opportunity to shape new financial products, establish robust risk management frameworks, and leverage your collateral management expertise. If you're driven by new challenges, eager to disrupt the status quo, and committed to delivering excellence, you'll find this role rewarding.

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Credit & Collateral Assessment:
  • Develop and implement frameworks for assessing and analysing various types of collateral, including but not limited to trade receivables, inventory, property and fixed assets.
  • Establish robust methodologies for collateral valuation and ongoing monitoring.
  • Assess credit risk specifically within the secured lending landscape, identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
  • Formulate and implement credit policies tailored to secured lending.
• Collateral Management:
  • Design and oversee processes for the effective management and monitoring of collateral throughout the credit lifecycle.
  • Ensure compliance with all collateral-related legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop strategies for managing distressed secured assets.
• Legal & Compliance:
  • Work closely with the legal team to draft and review secured lending agreements and related documentation.
  • Ensure all product development and operational processes adhere to relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
  • Advise on legal implications related to collateral enforcement and recovery.
• Process Enhancement & Innovation:
  • Identify and implement best practices in secured lending, credit assessment and collateral management.
  • Continuously look for better ways to do things, driving innovation and efficiency in secured funding processes.
  • Develop and enhance internal training materials related to secured lending.
• Reporting & Analysis:
  • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting structures for the secured lending portfolio.
  • Work with credit leadership and portfolio management team to provide regular reporting and insights on the performance of the secured book, collateral coverage and credit risk.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Act as a subject matter expert for secured lending across Lula.
  • Build strong working relationships within credit, legal, business operations and sales teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or a related field is essential. A postgraduate qualification would be highly advantageous.
• Secured Lending Expertise: Proven experience (minimum of 5-7 years) in secured business lending, including a deep understanding of various collateral types (trade receivables, inventory, fixed assets, property) and their assessment.
• Credit Risk Management: Extensive experience in credit risk assessment and management, specifically in the secured lending space, including developing and implementing credit policies.
• Collateral Management: Demonstrated experience in the operational aspects of collateral management, monitoring, and enforcement.
• Legal/Contractual Background: A strong understanding of relevant legal frameworks pertaining to secured transactions, contract law and debt recovery. Experience with drafting or reviewing legal agreements is highly desirable.
• Product Development: Experience in developing or launching financial products, particularly within a fintech or lending environment, would be a significant plus.
• Financial Acumen: Strong numerical ability and financial modeling skills.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities