Special Assets Associate

The Special Assets Associate is responsible for managing, monitoring, and recovering high-risk, delinquent, or otherwise problematic loans across Archwest's business purpose lending portfolio, including bridge, fix-and-flip, and ground-up construction loans. This role plays a direct part in protecting asset quality and portfolio performance over the life of the loan, working cross-functionally with Legal, Credit, Capital Markets, Accounting and Operations to mitigate losses and maximize recovery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Loan Review & Analysis: Examine and analyze loans for errors, risks, and performance issues; identify and report discrepancies in loan or collateral documentation
• Problem Loan Management: Oversee and monitor bridge, fix-and-flip, and ground-up construction loans secured by real estate, including those in default or under legal action
• Collection & Workout Strategies: Negotiate with borrowers, third parties, and vendors to restructure loans, modify terms, or reach repayment agreements
• Collateral Management: Assess, preserve, and liquidate real estate collateral, including REO property management, in a way that minimizes liability and maximizes recovery
• Legal & Dispute Resolution: Initiate and monitor legal actions, work with outside professionals, and coordinate with legal counsel on enforcement and foreclosure timelines
• Bankruptcy Monitoring: Monitor borrower bankruptcy filings and coordinate with legal counsel on automatic stay compliance and case implications
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with Capital Markets and warehouse lenders on defaulted or non-performing loans that may impact financing facility compliance or reporting
• Reporting & Compliance: Prepare and submit regular reports (e.g., monthly status logs, REO reports, charge-off/recovery logs) to management
• Documentation & Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate, complete records of all loan-related documents and transactions
• Training & Supervision: Assist in training junior staff and supporting team leadership
• Data & System Use: Update loan information in databases, use office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and approved AI tools to support daily tasks, and comply with lender’s security and data protection policies

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
• Experience: Prior experience in loan servicing, loan workout, special assets, or credit administration is preferred , ideally gained at a bank, credit union, trust company, loan servicing firm, or asset management firm
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, mathematical aptitude are required. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of state foreclosure laws (particularly judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosure states) and familiarity with loan servicing platforms.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills; ability to work under pressure and manage complex cases.

Typical Work Environment

• Setting: On-site at Archwest's Irvine, CA headquarters, working closely with Legal, Credit, Capital Markets, Accounting, and Operations teams
• Work Hours: Full-time, often with overtime due to case deadlines.
• Travel: May require site visits to borrowers or collateral locations (0–10% travel in some roles)