Lead Credit Risk Analyst

About Us

Admiral Money is an exciting and growing division within Admiral Group. We combine the pace and ambition of a growing lender with the backing and stability of a FTSE-listed business. Since launching unsecured personal loans in 2017, we have continued to grow and diversify, with Motor Finance and Mortgages added more recently.

We are looking for people who are keen to learn, excited to get stuck in and ready to help us build something special for our customers.

About the Role

We are looking for a Lead Credit Risk Analyst to join our Credit & Pricing Function.

As a Lead Analyst in Risk Pricing, you will drive the development and delivery of robust risk pricing strategies and actionable portfolio insights. You will independently lead analytical workstreams, take accountability for the accuracy and performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death risk), and ensure portfolio performance is optimised against risk appetite. You will set standards for analytical excellence, influence strategic decision-making across the business, and mentor your team to deliver consistently strong results.

This is a hybrid role with the expectation to be in our Cardiff Office at least once a month.

What You Will Be Doing

• Own the development, validation, and ongoing performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death) using advanced statistical and ML techniques; ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and meet regulatory/governance standards
• Independently analyse portfolio performance and take accountability for identifying root causes of deviation from expected outcomes; communicate insights and drive corrective action
• Set analytical standards and best practices for the risk pricing team; enforce rigorous data quality, methodology, and documentation disciplines
• Make key decisions on model enhancements and simulation tool improvements (Nexus, Kairos); balance technical rigour with business ROI
• Drive cross-functional initiatives to strengthen risk pricing strategies, portfolio monitoring, and strategic pricing for new product/channel opportunities
• Influence and advise Line 2 risk, Finance, and SMT on financial risk management, loss performance, and risk appetite alignment
• Develop and coach analysts on advanced modelling techniques, problem-solving approaches, and career progression; hold team accountable to high analytical standards
• Establish and maintain relationships with external data providers and monitor external data quality and relevance Own the development, validation, and ongoing performance of risk models (PD, fraud, death) using advanced statistical and ML techniques; ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and meet regulatory/governance standards
• Risk models covering all material sources of loss (PD, fraud, death risk) with robust validation, backtesting, and audit trails
• Comprehensive model documentation meeting internal governance and external regulatory requirements
• Monthly portfolio performance analysing actual vs expected outcomes for all loss sources by risk segment, product, channel, and vintage; identifying strategic insights and business implications Recommendations and business cases for model enhancements, pricing adjustments, or portfolio interventions; track implementation and measure impact

Skills & Experience 

Essential

• Data Science experience with a strong track record of developing, validating and monitoring predictive models.
• Python development experience with the ability to build, maintain and enhance analytical/model development solutions. 
• Expert-level SQL experience including extracting, transforming and analysing large, complex datasets. 
• Experience within lending products, specifically: Motor Finance, Homeowner Loans (Secured Lending) or Unsecured Personal Loans (UPL)
• Strong experience developing and maintaining risk models (PD, fraud, credit risk or related models) using statistical and machine learning techniques. 
• Ability to analyse portfolio performance, identify root causes of trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve commercial and risk outcomes. 
• Experience communicating analytical findings and influencing stakeholders across Risk, Finance and senior leadership teams.

Desirable 

• Experience with Power BI and creating management information/reporting dashboards. 
• Experience using Git for version control and collaborative development. 
• Experience with simulation tools and pricing platforms (e.g. Nexus, Kairos or similar). 
• Previous experience mentoring or coaching analysts and supporting team development. 
• Knowledge of external data sources such as credit reference agencies and third-party risk data providers.
• Experience operating within regulated financial services environments with strong governance and model documentation standards. 

Admiral: Where You Can

We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive business. It's a place where you can Be You, and show up as you are. We’re committed to fostering a people-first culture where everyone is accepted, supported, and empowered to be brilliant. You can, Grow And Progress at a pace and direction that suits you, Make A Difference for our customers and each other, and Share in Our Future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.

Everyone receives 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) when they join us, increasing the longer you stay with us, up to a maximum of 38 days (including bank holidays). You also have the option to buy or sell up to an additional five days of annual leave.

We’re proud of our people-first culture. In fact, we've been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women, a Great Place to Work for Wellbeing, and an overall Great Place to Work for over 25 years! We’re fully committed to making sure your progression is not slowed or halted by barriers related to race, gender, age, sexuality or any of the protected characteristics.

Our fantastic benefits make sure our colleagues have a great work-life balance; You can view some of our other key benefits here.

As a Disability Confident Leader, for candidates with a disability or long-term health condition, that opt into the Disability Confident scheme, we’ll invite a fair and proportionate number of applicants that meet the essential requirements of the role to the first stage of our selection process.

If you need any adjustments or support with your application or during the recruitment process, just let us know. Please do email georgia.farmer@admiralgroup.co.uk or contact us on   07970136735. This number is dedicated to supporting candidates that require reasonable adjustments or support during the application process.

#LI-ED1 #LI-Money