Lending Operations Manager

At Squirrel, our purpose is simple: to make finance fairer.

We challenge the way banks have always done things, and that same spirit runs through how we work. We're proudly Kiwi, straight talking, and genuinely generous with our knowledge.

Our strengths are our people: deep property and lending expertise, an innovative mindset, and a commitment to treating every client as an individual. If you want to be part of a team that's bringing a fresh approach to lending in New Zealand, you'll fit right in.

Ready to lead lending operations and make them even better?

We're currently experiencing a period of growth and with that comes the need to scale. To support that growth, we're now looking bringing in a new, experienced Lending Operations Manager to lead our lending operations team and ensure loans move accurately and efficiently from application through to discharge.

This is more than a day-to-day operations role. You will be accountable for delivering reliable service today while improving how the function operates for the future. You will lead the team, strengthen operational controls, remove workflow bottlenecks and build scalable processes that can support Squirrel’s continued growth.

What you'll be responsible for?

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will:

• Lead lending operations across application processing, settlement execution, post-settlement administration and discharges
• Manage workflow, service levels and operational capacity so settlements are completed accurately and on time
• Establish meaningful operational reporting across service delivery, productivity, quality, risk and capacity
• Review and improve processes to reduce manual effort, rework and settlement cycle times
• Partner with Credit, Finance, Product and Technology to improve hand-offs and remove operational bottlenecks
• Strengthen quality assurance, delegated authority and payment controls across the lending lifecycle
• Own and continuously improve post-settlement workflows, including progress payments, principal payments and discharges
• Lead, coach and develop the settlements team, building capability, cross-cover and future leadership depth

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of lending settlements, loan servicing, securities, discharges and lending operations
• Significant experience in lending settlements, loan fulfilment, loan servicing or lending operations within a bank, non-bank lender, finance company, or mortgage lender.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams in a high-volume operational environment. Drive a high-performance culture.
• A solid understanding of operational risk, quality assurance, delegated authorities and controls within a regulated lending environment
• Demonstrated success delivering process improvements, automation initiatives or operational efficiencies
• Experience using operational reporting and performance measures to support workload and capacity planning
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, planning and decision-making skills
• A relevant qualification in finance, business, law or a related discipline is preferred.

Why Squirrel?

We're not your typical financial services company. We're ambitious, down-to-earth and genuinely enjoy what we do.

Here's what you can expect:

• Modern Sale Street office in the heart of Auckland
• Supportive team, regular social events and a great culture
• Career development opportunities within a growing business
• Work alongside highly experienced lending professionals
• 4% employer KiwiSaver, annual incentive scheme, employee share scheme and other great benefits
• Flexible working arrangements by agreement
• A business that encourages innovation and challenging the status quo

Ready to make an impact?

If you are an experienced lending operations leader who enjoys balancing operational delivery, people leadership, process improvement and risk management, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the next stage of Squirrel’s growth.