Head of Lending Operations

As part of our continued business growth and expansion strategy, we are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Lending Operations to lead our lending division and drive the next stage of organisational development.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing lending operations, managing strategic lender relationships, leading business growth initiatives, and ensuring the ongoing commercial success of the organisation.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Lending Operations will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and commercial growth of the company’s lending business.

The successful candidate will lead lending teams, strengthen lender partnerships, optimise operational systems, and contribute to executive-level business planning and decision-making.

This role requires a highly experienced professional with strong leadership capability, commercial acumen, and extensive experience within the banking, lending, mortgage, or financial services sectors. This is a permanent full-time position and you will be required to work at least 40 hours per week between Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Growth

•               Develop and implement long-term lending business strategies aligned with company growth objectives.

•               Identify emerging opportunities within residential, commercial, construction, and development finance sectors.

•               Lead the expansion of lending services and market presence across New Zealand.

•               Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions to inform business decisions.

•               Establish annual business plans, growth targets, and performance frameworks.

•               Provide strategic recommendations to the Managing Director regarding business development initiatives.

Lending Operations Management

•               Direct and oversee all lending operations across the organisation.

•               Develop operational policies, procedures, and service delivery standards.

•               Ensure efficient management of end-to-end lending processes.

•               Improve workflow efficiency and operational scalability.

•               Monitor lending pipeline performance and operational productivity.

•               Implement technology and process improvements to enhance customer and business outcomes.

Financial Institution and Stakeholder Management

•               Establish and maintain strategic relationships with banks, non-bank lenders, and funding partners.

•               Negotiate commercial arrangements and partnership agreements.

•               Represent the company in discussions with financial institutions and industry stakeholders.

•               Identify and secure new lending channels and funding opportunities.

•               Maintain strong relationships with key referral partners and commercial networks.

Leadership and Team Management

•               Lead, mentor, and develop lending managers, lending specialists, and operational staff.

•               Establish departmental structures, reporting lines, and performance expectations.

•               Conduct workforce planning and recruitment activities.

•               Develop staff capability through coaching, training, and professional development initiatives.

•               Manage team performance and ensure achievement of business objectives.

•               Foster a high-performance and customer-focused culture.

Risk Management and Compliance

•               Oversee lending governance frameworks and operational risk controls.

•               Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and company policies.

•               Develop and maintain internal control systems and compliance monitoring processes.

•               Identify operational, commercial, and regulatory risks and implement mitigation strategies.

•               Manage audit findings, compliance reviews, and corrective action programmes.

•               Promote a culture of ethical conduct and regulatory compliance throughout the business.

Financial Performance Management

•               Develop and manage departmental budgets and financial targets.

•               Monitor profitability, operational costs, and revenue performance.

•               Analyse business performance data and prepare executive reports.

•               Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and maximise profitability.

•               Contribute to organisational financial planning and forecasting activities.

•               Ensure achievement of revenue growth and commercial performance objectives.

Executive Reporting

•               Prepare strategic and operational reports for senior management.

•               Present performance analysis, business forecasts, and operational recommendations.

•               Provide regular updates on lending performance, market conditions, and business risks.

•               Support executive decision-making through data-driven analysis and recommendations.

Skills and Experience Required

•               At least a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in Finance, Business, Commerce, Economics, Management, or a related field. OR

•               At least five years’ senior management experience within banking, lending, mortgage, finance, or financial services sectors.

•               Demonstrated experience leading business operations and managing high-performing teams.

•               Strong understanding of commercial lending, residential lending, construction finance, and development finance markets.

•               Proven experience developing strategic business initiatives and driving organisational growth.

•               Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

•               Excellent analytical, financial, and commercial acumen.

•               Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making capabilities.