A Day in the Life of Yochai Zorno – Head of Bridging Underwriting & Completions
As featured in Mortgage Strategy
My alarm goes off at 6.30am. I like to wake up early so that I have time to run errands, review any work emails that have come in overnight, eat a healthy breakfast, read the news (sports news too) and then start my working day.
I wanted to work in the mortgage industry because I would say I fell into the industry. After completing a Degree in Biology and Sports Science I originally wanted to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical sales but I ended up landing a job at my previous company and worked my way up from there. I always planned to spend 6 months getting experience, but I quickly caught the ‘lending bug’ and after 17 years in the industry I am still loving my career and haven’t looked back.
Something that surprised me about my job was how every day is different! New challenges and more importantly new opportunities. You need to have an open mind and treat every hurdle as another way to find a solution and to look at every application on its own merits.
A misconception about my role is that we are not flexible. Of course, there are policies and procedures put in place, and it’s easy for an underwriter to turn down an application if it’s not immediately straightforward, however a good underwriter is an individual who is willing to proactively evaluate the application and see how they can deliver a better outcome for the customer, while ensuring the Lender’s requirements are also adhered too.
My typical day entail catching up with the team regarding any updates, actioning emails and liaising with colleagues regarding how we can not only constantly improve our bridging proposal at Shawbrook, but how we can also increase the amount of applications being received. Speaking to our relationship managers, development managers and Risk to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction. I love nothing more than to breakdown and understand a complex application to find a solution that enables us to provide the best service we can to our clients and brokers. Throughout the day I try and make a point to call at least 1-2 brokers a day to see how they are getting on and seeing how Shawbrook can assist their clients.
A perk of the job is working with great people. I have a hard-working team and network around me, which has been a bonus to the role. Having the option to work from home or in a bustling office has also allowed me to flourish. I can work alongside my team one day but have the option of a quieter home working environment with no other distractions. My focus can be solely given to a certain aspect of the role. After spending 16 years in a bustling office, it has been a change, but any fears were put to the side by the support I have received and not to mention the hours on Teams and Zoom with colleagues.
My favourite work memory is helping a customer purchase their dream home. We all know how hard it can be purchasing a house and I faced plenty of hurdles, deadlines, and worrying if we could get the application over the line in time. To be able to get the best outcome for our clients, knowing that all your hard work and perseverance ended up making someone happy is an amazing feeling to achieve. That’s my favourite part of the job; I get to help others achieve their dreams in a small way.
To unwind after work I love being with my family, cooking, watching the football, going on long walks or simply relaxing on the sofa watching TV.
How can we help you?
Our team of experts across the UK are ready and waiting to speak to you about how we can help you realise your property aspirations. Use our enquiry form to get in touch, or contact the team directly through our contact page.