Underwriter - CRE

Supervisory Responsibilities: This individual may occasionally assist with training less experienced analysts and coordinating department projects as needed.

Job Summary: The Underwriter III plays a key role in strengthening the quality of the institution's commercial credit portfolio by preparing written credit review analyses and recommending appropriate risk ratings for relationships ranging from $1MM to the institution's legal lending limit. This role supports early identification of credit concerns through financial review, covenant monitoring, and Watchlist analysis, while partnering with lenders to provide thoughtful, risk-based insight. The ideal candidate brings strong experience with moderately complex commercial loans, including significant exposure to relationships exceeding $5MM, with expertise in CRE and/or C&I.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Exercise independent judgment in presenting data, conclusions, and recommendations within the framework of applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines.

Collect and review borrower financial information, including income, assets, and liabilities, to assess appropriate credit exposure for relationships typically ranging from $1MM to $20MM.

Lead development of written credit review presentations for existing loan relationships and partner with commercial lenders to shape action plans for Watchlist credits. Presentations should clearly identify key strengths, emerging risks, and the recommended risk grade, with concise verbal summaries provided at Watchlist Committee to inform discussion and next steps.

Conduct reviews of covenant compliance and collaborate with lenders for resolution to failed covenants.

Interact with commercial lenders and Risk Management officers to evaluate any potential deterioration of existing borrowers.

Participate and provide expertise in credit discussions as needed with commercial lenders, credit managers, senior leadership, and executive management.

Help drive strong portfolio performance by applying sound credit review practices that support early detection of risk, proactive issue management, and effective oversight of commercial relationships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong time management skills, with the ability to meet strict deadlines and respond to high-priority requests from management.

Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate information, form sound conclusions, and communicate recommendations clearly in writing and verbally.

Strong quantitative analysis skills, including the ability to work with multiple variables, analyze large data sets and spreadsheets, and identify and summarize patterns and trends.

Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks, procedures, and software quickly, along with the underlying concepts that support a broad range of commercial loan risk management responsibilities.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and follow-through.

Strong attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with financial models, worksheets, and spreadsheets.

Some travel may be required.

Minimum Requirements:

Working knowledge of underwriting principles for moderately complex Commercial & Industrial or Commercial Real Estate loans, as well as certain specialty lending types such as land acquisition and development, contractor, hotel, senior housing, municipal, or nonprofit lending.

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, or equivalent experience and training in commercial loan credit analysis.

At least 5 years of commercial lending experience, with a strong emphasis on credit analysis, portfolio risk assessment, and risk management.

Completion of formal credit training through ABA, RMA, or a comparable internal bank training program. Credit Review experience is preferred.