Onate is a fast-growing real estate bridge lender operating across Ireland and Spain. We provide short-term, first-charge real estate finance to property developers and investors, with typical uses including developer exit loans to finish or sell assets, as well as “fix-and-flip” opportunities. Our lending spans residential, mixed-use, and commercial property.
The business is focused on speed and certainty : delivering borrowers a fast yes or no and following through at pace. Onate was founded by three serial entrepreneurs with a track record of building multiple companies, including two listed on the London Stock Exchange. Our vision is to establish Onate as a pan-European bridge lender with market-leading positions in every territory of operation.
Launched in 2021, Onate has grown in Ireland with over 200 loans completed and a market-leading position. In Spain, operations began in early 2024 with the Madrid office opening and the first loans completed. The Spain team has grown to five professionals, supported by a growing loan book and a strong pipeline. The Spanish portfolio already represents more than 25% of the group’s assets and is scaling rapidly. Onate has multiple funding lines including a large international bank, a specialist credit fund, and a listed bond programme, providing diversity of capital and scalability. More about Onate can be read on our regularly updated blog.
The Opportunity
We are hiring an experienced credit and underwriting professional to support the next stage of our Spanish growth. This role reports directly to the Group Head of Credit and will be key to underwriting, executing, and managing our Spanish bridging portfolio. Experience with loan execution and recovery is a requirement of the role. Depending on experience and track record, we will appoint at Senior Manager or Director level.
This role is based in our Madrid office on Paseo de la Castellana, the heart of the city’s business district. The office reflects a vibrant, fast-growing entrepreneurial company and is home to our Spanish team.
While the role is primarily office-based, we recognise the importance of flexibility and are happy to support periods of remote working where needed (for example, during the summer months).
The role also involves travel across Spain to meet borrowers and visit assets as required. These visits are usually manageable within a single day, so overnight stays are rarely necessary.
At Onate, high performance comes from working smart, not simply long hours. We foster a culture of efficiency and accountability—pushing hard when it matters, but avoiding unnecessary late nights or weekends. Team spirit is central to who we are, and we meet regularly for team events. With rapid growth driven by initiative and commitment, there’s a high-energy atmosphere across the business.
Candidate Profile
Skills
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Growth
Relationship Management
Process & Culture
Seniority
Employment type
Job function
Location : Madrid, Spain. Travel across Spain as required. Remote work possible periodically in summer months.
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Underwriting • madrid, España