VP, Credit Underwriting Team Lead

bout the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established and growing regional banking institution in the Tri-State area is seeking an experienced Commercial Credit Underwriting Manager. This leadership role will oversee a team of commercial credit professionals responsible for underwriting middle-market and commercial banking relationships across a diverse portfolio of industries.

The successful candidate will combine strong credit analysis expertise with proven leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of commercial lending practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned credit professional looking to play a key role in the continued growth and success of a highly respected regional bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of commercial credit analysts and underwriters.
• Manage the underwriting process for commercial and industrial (C&I), owner-occupied real estate, investor real estate, and other commercial lending transactions.
• Review and approve credit memoranda, financial analyses, risk ratings, and loan structures within delegated authority.
• Partner closely with Relationship Managers, Market Executives, and senior credit leadership to support business development objectives while maintaining sound credit standards.
• Evaluate borrower financial statements, cash flow performance, collateral values, guarantor strength, industry trends, and overall creditworthiness.
• Ensure timely turnaround of credit requests while maintaining underwriting quality and consistency.
• Monitor portfolio trends and identify emerging credit risks.
• Recommend appropriate loan structures, covenant packages, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in loan committee presentations and credit approval discussions.
• Ensure compliance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and sound lending practices.
• Support ongoing process improvement initiatives and underwriting best practices.
• Assist in talent acquisition, training, and succession planning within the credit function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 6 years of commercial credit underwriting experience within a banking environment.
• Strong knowledge of commercial lending products, credit analysis, financial statement analysis, cash flow modeling, and risk assessment.
• Experience underwriting middle-market and commercial banking relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of commercial real estate lending and C&I credit structures.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidance, loan policy frameworks, and credit risk management practices.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple business lines.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in financial analysis and credit underwriting systems.