Middle Market Underwriter, Sr.

Columbia Bank•San Diego, CA

1d•$98,000 - $175,000•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, commercial real estate loans (owner-occupied and investor), and equipment financing. Requests most often involve moderate-to-complex enterprises 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 for credit approval while meeting customer needs. The underwriter analyzes business, industry, financial, and other supporting credit information; identifies risks that could affect repayment; and develops fact-based credit recommendations. The position prepares timely, concise, and accurate recommendations with limited supervision, including quantitative analysis, accurate use of dual risk-rating models, identification and mitigation of policy and guideline exceptions, and appropriate loan coding. The role monitors borrower financial performance and compliance with loan documents, spreads or ensures the spreading of financial statements, and verifies covenant calculations and adherence to approval conditions and documentation. It works with CSMs to ensure borrower notifications and approvals are handled promptly when violations occur. The underwriter also contributes insights on customer financial needs and loan structures, may participate in customer and prospect calls, and may shadow-manage a portfolio as part of approved training and development. The position may oversee and quality-check other underwriters’ or credit analysts’ work, provide coaching or training, and serve as a subject matter expert. It requires compliance with applicable bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required training, as well as a working knowledge of relevant regulations. The role promotes Columbia Bank’s corporate culture and vision and may perform other duties as assigned. This position is fully onsite at the posted San Diego location. Occasional travel is required. The pay range is $98,000 to $175,000, with potential eligibility for performance-based incentive compensation. The selected candidate’s pay depends on job-related factors including knowledge, skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

Requirements

7–10 years of commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience (required).
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced credit and credit-quality skills, including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow analysis.
Ability to train and present to small and large audiences, or interest in learning to do so.
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.

Responsibilities

Underwrite new and renewal Middle Market credit requests, including working capital lines, asset-based lines, commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing.
Analyze business, industry, financial, and supporting credit information; identify repayment risks and develop documented, sound credit recommendations.
Prepare timely, concise, accurate credit recommendations with limited supervision, including quantitative analysis, risk-rating elements, exception identification and mitigation, and loan coding.
Monitor borrower financial performance and compliance with commercial and real estate loan documents.
Spread or ensure the spreading of financial statements, and verify that covenant calculations are accurate, complete, and consistent with approval conditions and loan documentation.
Collaborate with CSMs to ensure borrower notifications are sent and approvals are obtained to resolve violations promptly.
Partner with CSMs and Relationship Managers to identify customer financial needs, relationship expansion opportunities, and effective loan structures within Bank risk tolerances and market conditions.
Participate in customer and prospect calls as appropriate; may shadow-manage a portfolio with a CSM with the required mutual approval.
May oversee other commercial underwriters or credit analysts and review credit reports for quality before submission for approval.
Document quality-control findings using a standardized QC Checklist and provide guidance and training to underwriters.
Comply with applicable bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required annual or job-specific training; stay current on regulatory changes.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable written policies and regulations, including Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and Bank Security requirements.
May coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject matter expert.
Demonstrate and foster Columbia’s corporate culture, take personal initiative, and support the vision to become the “Business Bank of Choice.”
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
Employee assistance program
Life insurance
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
Paid sick days
Paid volunteer days
Paid holidays
Potential performance-based incentive compensation