Head of CRE Underwriting

Overview

• Senior credit leadership role covering all CRE asset classes
• Oversight of underwriting quality, portfolio risk, and policy

About Our Client

This role is with a well-established, mid-sized bank located in Midtown.

Job Description

• Lead and oversee the commercial real estate underwriting team, ensuring robust credit analysis, effective challenge, and consistent application of credit policies and risk standards.
• Review and sponsor credit transactions submitted for approval, confirming that risk ratings appropriately reflect borrower and transaction risk profiles.
• Partner with lending, portfolio management, and other stakeholders to support portfolio quality while balancing growth objectives and risk appetite.
• Provide guidance on loan structuring, including repayment terms, covenants, collateral, and other credit conditions.
• Participate in client meetings and site visits as appropriate to support credit assessment and structuring decisions.
• Coach and mentor less experienced colleagues across credit, portfolio management, and lending functions, reinforcing sound underwriting practices and regulatory compliance.
• Support talent evaluation, performance management, and development planning within the credit function.
• Lead or actively participate in Credit Committee and other governance forums, ensuring clear and timely responses to approval authority inquiries.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of recurring and ad hoc credit reporting, including monthly and quarterly deliverables.
• Serve as a key point of contact for regulators and auditors on credit-related matters, supporting examinations and audits as required.
• Monitor portfolio performance, exposure levels, and concentration risks, identifying trends and early warning indicators.
• Drive technology adoption and process enhancements within the credit function, aligned with broader technology and AI initiatives.
• Promote collaboration and alignment around strategic initiatives across credit and business teams.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments and best practices, applying insights to inform senior leadership decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of commercial real estate credit experience across multiple asset classes.
• Proven background as a credit-trained banker operating in a highly credit-intensive environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a hands on management style and demonstrated commitment to coaching and developing talent.
• Excellent analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Broad knowledge of commercial real estate markets, with particular familiarity with the Tri State region and South Florida.
• Advanced expertise in credit structuring, covenant design, and management of large and complex credit exposures.
• Strong understanding of regulatory credit frameworks, risk models, and supervisory expectations.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and process improvement.

What's on Offer

• Competitive base salary ranging from $220,000 to $250,000 USD.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support your well being.
• Opportunity to lead a high performing team in the financial services industry.