Group Portfolio & Construction Lending Manager

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce • Chicago, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role serves as a senior leader responsible for both portfolio management and construction lending oversight within CIBC's U.S. Commercial Real Estate platform. The incumbent will partner with Asset Managers, Relationship Managers, and Market Leads to drive portfolio analytics and reporting, while simultaneously providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of CIBC's real estate construction and development loan portfolio. The role reports to the Executive Director and works closely with CRE leadership, Credit Risk, and Services teams. At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. Details on your work arrangement will be discussed at the time of your interview.

Requirements

• Demonstrated a minimum of 10 years experience in banking or a financial institution, including 3+ years in a management or supervisory role
• Demonstrated a minimum of 5 - 7 years CRE expertise in commercial real estate portfolio management, construction lending, and/or data analytics
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business, Finance, Real Estate, Accounting, Economics, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis, modeling, and data aggregation; proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Familiarity with construction/development software (scheduling, lease analysis, database tools) is an asset
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to present complex information to executive audiences
• Ability to foster and maintain commercial relationships with a high level of competency
• Availability to travel for periodic project meetings and site inspections
• Must be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit
• May be asked to complete an attribute-based assessment and other skills tests (such as simulation, coding, MS Office)

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred

Responsibilities

• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular reviews, and support professional development across the team
• Foster a high-performance culture aligned with CIBC's mission, vision, values, and risk culture
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure timely and accurate loan administration and portfolio reporting
• Hire the right people in the right roles, aligning individual capabilities with business unit goals
• Create a positive work environment by championing CIBC's core values and serving as an effective role model
• Support the primary reporting function within the Line of Business, working with other groups across the Bank for data and analytics needs
• Assist in identifying quarterly review populations, include high-risk and Enhanced Review credits, and determining their priority
• Help facilitate the aggregation of disparate CRE data for portfolio management reporting and internal/external exams
• Develop alternative methods to monitor portfolio movements and ensure the LOB remains within set risk limits and desired business mix
• Enhance portfolio forecasting capabilities using historical and anticipated payoffs, origination activity, and loan fundings
• Develop insights for desired portfolio mix — including geography, client type, and property type — to inform CRE strategy and risk appetite
• Oversee the output of junior members of the CRE team; reviewing their work to help their growth as a employees
• Oversee assessment and mitigation of development and construction risk across CIBC's real estate floating rate lending portfolio
• Manage employees who review and approve recommendations on loan and escrow disbursements escalated by Team Leads
• Ensure portfolio-wide compliance with credit approvals, legal documentation, and underwriting assumptions
• Monitor early warning indicators related to budget overruns, construction schedule delays, and borrower performance
• Ensure team adherence to rigorous pre-closing due diligence standards, including transaction structure review, loan documentation compliance, and insurance and surety bonding requirements
• Serve as a liaison with other departments, including US Risk Management, Finance, Loan Services, and the CIBC Real Estate Loan Syndication group
• Collaborate with Line of Business/Relationship Managers, Loan Operations/Servicing, Title Companies, and third-party consultants
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational procedures, controls, and workflows for loan administration
• Provide executive-level reporting on portfolio health, risk exposures, and emerging concerns

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Other Insurance Plans
• Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation)
• Holidays
• 401(k)
• competitive salary
• incentive pay
• banking benefits
• a benefits program
• a vacation offering
• wellbeing support
• MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program
• Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development

What This Job Offers

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