Middle Market Underwriter, Sr

Columbia Bank•San Jose, CA

1d•$100,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Middle Market Underwriter underwrites new and renewal Middle Market credit requests, including working capital and asset-based lines of credit, owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing. Requests most often involve moderate-to-complex businesses with revenues greater than $5 million. The role collaborates with Client Solutions Managers (CSMs) and Relationship Managers to present findings, business rationale, and risk mitigations to obtain credit approval and meet customer needs. The underwriter analyzes business, industry, financial, and other supporting credit information; identifies risks affecting repayment; and develops fact-based credit recommendations. The role prepares timely, accurate recommendations with limited supervision, including underwriting narratives, Dual Risk Rating elements, identification and mitigation of policy and guideline exceptions, and appropriate loan coding. The position monitors borrower financial performance and compliance with loan documents, spreads financial statements, and ensures covenant calculations are accurate and consistent with approval conditions and documentation. It works with CSMs to ensure borrower notifications and approvals address violations promptly. The underwriter also supports customer and prospect interactions, provides insights on customer financial needs and loan structures, and may shadow-manage a portfolio as part of approved training and development. The role may oversee and review the work of other commercial underwriters or credit analysts, document quality-control findings, and provide guidance and training. It must comply with bank policies, procedures, regulations, and required training, maintain knowledge of applicable regulations, and may coach or train others. The position is expected to demonstrate Columbia Bank’s corporate culture, take personal initiative, and support the bank’s vision to become the “Business Bank of Choice.” Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

7–10 years of commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced credit and credit quality skills, including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow analysis experience.
Demonstrated time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while delivering work on time.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage internal and external customer relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Advanced knowledge of credit policies, procedures, practices, and documentation.

Nice To Haves

Ability or interest in learning to train and present to small and large audiences.

Responsibilities

Underwrite new and renewal Middle Market credit requests, including working capital lines, asset-based lines, commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing.
Analyze applicants’ businesses, industries, financial data, and supporting credit information; identify repayment risks and develop fact-based credit recommendations.
Prepare timely, concise, and accurate credit recommendations, including underwriting narratives, Dual Risk Rating elements, exception identification and mitigation, and loan coding.
Monitor borrower financial performance and compliance with commercial and/or real estate loan documents.
Spread financial statements or ensure they are spread in accordance with Bank Guidelines, and ensure covenant calculations are accurate, complete, and consistent with approvals and loan documentation.
Collaborate with CSMs to ensure borrower notifications are sent and approvals are obtained to resolve violations in a timely manner.
Partner with CSMs and Relationship Managers to identify customer financial needs and relationship expansion opportunities, and provide input on loan structures and risk mitigation.
Participate in customer and prospect calls as appropriate; may shadow-manage a portfolio with a CSM with required mutual approval.
May oversee commercial underwriters or credit analysts and review credit reports for quality before submission for approval.
Document quality-control findings using the standardized QC Checklist and provide guidance and training to underwriters.
Comply with bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required annual or job-specific training; stay current on regulation changes and applicable written policies.
May coach, mentor, train others, or teach coursework as a subject matter expert.
Demonstrate and foster Columbia’s corporate culture, take personal initiative, and support the bank’s vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans for eligible associates.
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions.
Employee assistance program.
Life insurance and disability insurance.
Tuition assistance.
Mental health resources.
Identity theft protection.
Legal support.
Auto and home insurance.
Pet insurance.
Access to an online discount marketplace.
Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.
Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following hire for associates regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours weekly.
The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation.