Commercial Credit Associate / Underwriter - Food & Consumer

BMO • Newport Beach, CA

23h • $69,000 - $127,800

About The Position

At BMO, we’re building one of the fastest‑growing commercial banks in North America—powered by a simple, bold purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. As the 8th largest bank in North America and the 4th largest commercial lender, we’re expanding rapidly across the U.S., backed by a culture that rewards ambition, empowers decision‑makers, and invests deeply in our people. Join a team where your insights matter, your development is prioritized, and your work directly shapes the future of middle‑market banking. We offer a best‑in‑class Employee Value Proposition rooted in: Meaningful Impact: Influence credit decisions, shape deal structures, and support clients that fuel the North American economy. Career Growth: Gain hands‑on development through deep exposure to seasoned sector experts and complex transactions across the Food & Consumer landscape, senior‑level exposure, and a merit‑based path to advancement. Supportive Culture: Work in a collaborative, growth‑oriented environment where leaders are accessible and your voice is valued. Purpose‑Driven Work: Contribute to a thriving economy, a sustainable future, and more inclusive communities. This role sits within BMO’s Food & Consumer Division, one of the largest and most specialized platforms of its kind. With $47B+ in capital commitments and 130+ corporate and investment bankers serving Agribusiness, Food & Beverage, Retail & Distribution, and Consumer sectors, BMO offers unmatched industry expertise—and the opportunity for you to work with some of the most impactful brands across North America. If you’re a driven credit professional who wants to work on complex transactions, grow strategic client relationships, and be part of an ambitious, purpose‑led institution, this is where your next chapter begins. Join a team where your credit judgment matters, your development is prioritized, and your work helps power the real economy. Why This Team BMO’s Food & Consumer Division is one of the largest and most specialized platforms in the market, with $47B+ in capital commitments and 130+ corporate and investment bankers serving Agribusiness, Food & Beverage, Retail & Distribution, Protein, and Consumer clients across North America. You’ll work on complex transactions with unmatched industry expertise and access to full‑bank capabilities.

Requirements

• Experience: 3–4 years in commercial credit, lending, or financial analysis in banking or corporate finance.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Finance, Accounting, or Business preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Technical Skills: Financial analysis & modeling (advanced) Loan structuring & collateral analysis Credit risk assessment and portfolio management Regulatory compliance & banking operations Data analysis tools; Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word)
• Core Competencies: Analytical thinking and problem solving Sound judgment with attention to detail Collaboration and communication with cross‑functional teams Ability to work independently on complex tasks
• Preferred 3 – 4 years of relevant experience in credit or lending instruments or financial operations in a corporate or banking environment.
• If a Credit Qualifiable job, Credit Qualifications and associated credit knowledge and skills according to the credit portfolio requirements and qualification standards.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Business Administration, Finance and Accounting preferred.
• Any other related discipline or commensurate work experience considered.
• Technical proficiency gained through education and/or business experience.
• Intermediate level of proficiency: Problem Solving Collaboration Detail-Oriented Analytical Thinking Loan Structuring Regulatory Compliance Portfolio Management Credit Risk Assessment Banking Operations Microsoft Office
• Advanced level of proficiency: Data analysis tools Financial analysis

Responsibilities

• Credit Underwriting & Structuring Analyze financial statements, cash flows, and industry dynamics to assess creditworthiness.
• Structure new, renewal, and extension loans aligned to client needs, collateral, and risk appetite.
• Prepare clear, insight‑rich credit memos and make recommendations/decisions.
• Utilize financial models and analytics to evaluate repayment capacity and capital structure.
• Portfolio & Risk Management Monitor portfolio performance and early‑warning indicators; take proactive action where needed.
• Ensure adherence to credit policies, regulatory requirements, and operational controls.
• Maintain accurate, timely data in BMO systems; leverage data for decisioning and trend analysis.
• Track ROE and relationship returns; optimize structures to meet risk-return thresholds.
• Client & Deal Team Partnership Collaborate closely with Relationship Managers and product partners to deliver client solutions.
• Support negotiations of terms and conditions that balance client objectives and risk.
• Serve as a point of contact for credit/service needs; escalate issues promptly when required.
• Growth & Business Development Develop proposals that win new mandates and expand share of wallet.
• Identify cross‑sell opportunities across treasury, FX, capital markets, and other solutions.
• Contribute to initiatives that enhance service quality and drive portfolio growth.

Benefits

• BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level