Associate, Structured Finance – Project Finance Underwriting & Portfolio Management (First Line of Defense)

Santander

3d•$175,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You! The Associate role sits within Santander Corporate & Investment Banking and functions as a front-office, First Line of Defense credit role supporting the underwriting, structuring, and active management of infrastructure and real assets credit exposures, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, energy transition, and infrastructure (including digital infrastructure). The role operates as a credit function within the business, partnering closely with origination and product teams and maintaining direct accountability for asset-level underwriting, credit quality, documentation, and execution. The Associate leads transactions across the full investment lifecycle, from underwriting through active asset-level portfolio management, applying rigorous credit judgment and engaging credibly with the 2nd Line of Defense. This position is designed for a highly motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, client-facing investment banking environment and demonstrates strong judgment, ownership, and commitment to Santander’s risk culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Applied Sciences, or a related quantitative or analytical field.
3–6 years of experience in infrastructure or project finance, real assets credit, leveraged finance, structured finance, or related investment or credit roles.
Experience with infrastructure, energy, renewables, or other real assets strongly preferred.
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills with a solid foundation in financial modeling.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging with sponsors, clients, senior bankers, and independent risk partners.
Highly motivated self-starter with the resilience to perform in a demanding, high-expectation environment.
Registration for FINRA SIE must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted.
Registration for FINRA Series 79 must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted.
Registration for FINRA Series 63 must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted.
This position is subject to FINRA Background Screening Requirements, including successful completion and clearing of a background check.
Internal transfers are subject to comply with 17 CFR 240.17f-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and FINRA Bylaws, Article III, Section 3, which states that Associated Persons should not be subject to statutory disqualification.
Successful candidates must also meet ongoing regulatory requirements including additional screening and are required to report certain incidents.

Nice To Haves

Advanced coursework or demonstrated academic focus in infrastructure, energy systems, engineering, or real assets viewed positively.
Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
Experience in Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

Support underwriting and structuring of new infrastructure and real assets transactions, including new originations, refinancings, extensions, upsizes, amendments.
Act as the First Line of Defense credit owner, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of credit analysis, due diligence, and supporting documentation.
Develop clear, concise, and judgment-driven credit recommendations that articulate key risks, mitigants, and structural protections in line with Santander credit standards
Support the senior underwriter to defend credit recommendations and actively drive and accelerate approvals with the 2nd Line of Defense.
Participate in and, as appropriate, lead client interactions, demonstrating command of asset performance, financing structure, and client requests.
When acting in an Administrative Agent role, take a leadership position in coordinating the lender group building consensus.
Develop and maintain complex financial models, incorporating debt, tax equity, and equity structures, with a focus on operating cash flows.
Own post-close portfolio management end-to-end, with direct accountability for asset performance monitoring, covenant compliance, proactive risk identification, and delivery against client and transaction timelines.
Own consent, waiver, and amendment processes, leveraging asset-level analysis to prepare credit write-ups and recommendations, structure and negotiate outcomes with sponsors and counterparties.
Synthesize portfolio performance, trends, and emerging risks into clear, concise written materials and presentations for senior management.
Represent the business in interactions with auditors and regulators, demonstrating command of underlying credit decisions, asset fundamentals, and Santander’s risk framework.
Respond to ad-hoc requests from Senior Management, often covering implications of law changes and shifts in government policy
Perform annual credit reviews of assigned exposures, reassessing performance, risk profile, and adherence to original underwriting.
Strong ability to synthesize complex asset-level and cash flow analysis into clear, credit narratives.
Provide guidance, review, and mentorship to Analysts, setting expectations for analytical rigor, writing quality, and execution discipline.
Contribute to continuous improvement of underwriting, portfolio management, and credit processes.