Senior Commercial Real Estate Underwriter

Position Summary:

The Senior Commercial Underwriter plays a key role in supporting the bank’s commercial lending decisions by performing high-quality credit analysis and underwriting complex commercial real estate (CRE) transactions. This individual ensures sound credit decisions while balancing risk and profitability in alignment with the bank’s credit policy, regulatory expectations, and community-focused mission.

Why Fremont Bank?:

Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independently owned banks in the Bay Area and has been consistently recognized as a Top Workplace for the past 15 consecutive years. Our foundation is built on relationships — with our clients, our associates, and our communities.

We offer:

• A people-first culture grounded in inclusion and excellence
• Deep community involvement and local reinvestment
• A mission-driven workplace where values and performance go hand in hand

The Fremont Bank Way:

• Full-Service Banking with comprehensive financial solutions, advanced technology, and exceptional service
• No-Compromise Approach — we help clients get to "yes"
• Core Values:
  • Go above and beyond for clients
  • Foster a supportive and empowering environment for associates
  • Deeply invest in the well-being of our local community

Key Responsibilities:

• Underwrite and analyze a broad range of complex owner and non-owner occupied CRE loans, including permanent, bridge, SBA 504, and lines of credit across asset types such as multifamily, retail, office, industrial, and special purpose.
• Assess borrower creditworthiness by analyzing both business and personal financial statements, tax returns, rent rolls, operating statements, and appraisals.
• Review environmental, seismic assessment, and any other third-party reports and summarize conclusions in the Narrative
• Review and understand preliminary title report, in order to make recommendations related to exceptions.
• Prepare and evaluate global and enterprise cash flows.
• Evaluate property-level risks including market conditions, tenant concentration, lease terms, and collateral strength.
• Prepare clear and concise credit memos for presentation to loan committees, including detailed risk identification, financial spreads, and recommendations.
• Review borrower organizational documents and accurately present the borrower structure and guarantors.
• Collaborate with sales partners to structure loan terms that meet borrower needs while mitigating bank risk.
• Proactively identify deteriorating credit conditions or market shifts.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of current regulatory guidance, bank guidelines and policies, and economic trends impacting CRE lending.
• Mentor junior sales staff, credit analysts, and underwriters, reviewing their work and providing training as needed.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory exams, and periodic portfolio reviews.
• Assist with crafting due diligence needs lists.
• Proactive member of the credit administration team, keeping track from the start of a loan through closing.
• Assist with crafting special covenants and loan documents, such as escrow holdback agreements.
• Initiate and lead kick-off calls with sales partners and credit team.
• Assist with special projects, as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum five years of experience in commercial real estate underwriting
• Knowledge of the Bay Area real estate market
• Strong proficiency in spreading financials in related software
• Working knowledge of bank regulations, risk rating systems, and loan documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to adapt to preferred communication style of internal stakeholders and external borrowers.
• Strong attention to detail, while still having the ability to scale analysis based on the strengths and weaknesses of each credit.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., sitting or standing).
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
• Occasionally move or lift items up to 10 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What Makes Fremont Bank Associates Thrive?:

• Team Players who go above and beyond to support their colleagues
• Action-Oriented professionals who challenge the status quo and seek improvement
• Purpose-Driven individuals who understand and champion the bank’s community impact

Benefits Snapshot:

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, Dependent Care, Health Savings)

Financial & Retirement

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance-based bonuses or incentives

Work-Life & Perks

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Free personal checking and savings accounts
• Home loan rate discounts
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development resources
• On-site gym and discounted health club memberships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Fremont Bank is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Salary Range:

The hiring salary range is based on factors such as experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made in consideration of these factors and in alignment with Fremont Bank’s compensation philosophy.

Salary Range: USD $115,000.00 - USD $145,000.00 /Yr. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP):

The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a way for Fremont Bank to contribute to the financial well-being of associates by making a contribution to their retirement account. In addition, the ESOP provides associates an opportunity to share in the growth and prosperity of Fremont Bank.

Note to Search Firms::

Fremont Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies without a signed service agreement. Unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Fremont Bank, and no fees will be paid.