CRE Relationship Manager

Job Title: CRE Relationship Manager
Department: Commercial Real Estate Banking
Reports to: Director / SVP, CRE Banking
Status: Exempt Non-Exempt

About the role

The CRE Relationship Manager is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate clients, delivering tailored banking solutions, and driving new business growth. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients, building long-term relationships while partnering with credit, underwriting, and operations teams to structure and close transactions aligned with the Bank’s risk appetite.

Work Details

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Work Location: Onsite Hybrid Remote
Travel: Limited local travel for client meetings and business development

What You'll Do:

• Develop, manage, and expand a portfolio of CRE clients, including investors, developers, and owner-operators
• Proactively source new business opportunities through networking, referrals, and market outreach
• Structure and recommend CRE loan transactions, including construction, bridge, and permanent financing
• Partner with Credit and Underwriting to prepare and present loan packages and obtain approvals
• Maintain strong knowledge of market trends, property types, and competitive landscape
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify risk, and take proactive steps to mitigate credit exposure
• Deepen client relationships by cross-selling treasury, deposit, and other banking solutions
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards
• Represent the Bank at industry events and maintain a visible presence in the CRE community

What We’re Looking For

(Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Real Estate, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in commercial real estate lending or banking
• Strong understanding of CRE underwriting, financial analysis, and credit structuring
• Proven track record of business development and portfolio growth
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills
• Knowledge of loan documentation, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance

(Nice to Have)

• Advanced degree (MBA or related)
• Existing book of CRE business or strong market network
• Experience with construction and value-add financing
• Familiarity with Southern California CRE market dynamics

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Team Culture: Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with strong leadership support
• Growth Opportunities: Clear path for career progression and portfolio expansion
• Benefits or Perks: Competitive compensation, incentive opportunities, and comprehensive benefits package

Posting Location(s):

• Irvine, CA
• Additional Southern California markets (as applicable)

Compensation:

Target base salary range: $150,000 – $190,000 annually, plus performance-based incentive compensation. 

Physical Demands:

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

Sedentary: Limited activity, no lifting, limited walking
Moderate: Mostly standing, walking, bending, frequent lifting
Light: Office work, some lifting, bending, stooping or kneeling, walking
Arduous: Heavy lifting, bending, crawling, climbing

The Fine Print:

This job description reflects the general nature of the role and may change as business needs evolve. We are an equal opportunity employer. Sunwest Bank works with staff members and customers without regard to race, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, age, religion, medical condition, handicap, disability or veteran status and to assist the Bank in maintaining its Affirmative Action Program.

Compliance with Bank Secrecy Act laws and regulations is considered an extremely serious matter, and it is intended that Sunwest Bank, through the purposeful efforts of its employees and officers, are expected to make every resolute attempt to conform to its Bank Secrecy Act Program and Procedures. Failure to comply will be reflected in their performance review as well as in any bonus compensation programs in which they may participate.

Attend and complete all required classroom, computer-based, web-based and seminar training. It is the individual responsibility of every employee to maintain a current awareness and understanding of and to fully comply with Sunwest Bank’s “Code of Ethics and Conduct.” Each employee is also expected to maintain an awareness of the laws, regulations, internal policies and procedures that are appropriate for his/her position.

Note: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level and work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All job descriptions can be amended without notice as warranted by business necessity.

Federal Deposit Insurance Act This position is subject to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. As such, an employment offer for this position is contingent on Sunwest Bank’s review of criminal conviction history, including pretrial diversions or program entries.

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