Principal Credit Risk and Approval Officer - Corporate and Investment Banking Risk

Wells Fargo•Charlotte, NC

3d•$250,000 - $420,000•Onsite

About The Position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Credit Risk & Approval Officer to serve as Credit Officer providing credit risk oversight for the Project Finance Portfolio within the Energy division of Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB). CIB Banking provides integrated financial solutions to corporate, investment grade, non-investment grade, public and private customers. Responsibilities for this role include independent credit risk oversight, approval, and portfolio management of complex project finance transactions, with a focus on energy and infrastructure. The role covers large‑scale infrastructure and power generation projects across the energy value chain as well as other industry segments including but not limited to renewables (solar, wind, storage), conventional thermal power generation (gas-fired, peaking, combined cycle), midstream (LNG, transportation and storage) and non-energy (data centers, other infrastructure). This position will play a key role in shaping risk strategy, transaction structuring, and portfolio composition, with direct influence on deal terms, risk allocation, and underwriting approach. The candidate will be an active and influential participant in the credit process, providing a holistic risk assessment in close partnership with deal teams and portfolio management. The role requires the ability to independently decision complex transactions, balance risk and return, operate with urgency, and engage effectively with senior risk and business leaders.

Requirements

10+ years of Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience approving and overseeing large, complex project finance transactions with substantial commitments and lead underwriter/arranger status.
Deep knowledge of project finance structures, contracts, risk allocation, cash flow-based underwriting and regulatory matters.
A BS/BA degree or higher in accounting, finance, or economics.
Strong credit analysis skills.
Extensive experience and knowledge within the energy industry across a broad range of segments and geographies.
Ability to work and influence successfully within a matrix environment and build effective business partnerships with all levels of team members.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to effectively partner and influence at the executive level.
Experience with complex organizational and capital structures.
Solid understanding of capital markets and acquisition finance.
Solid understanding of Wells Fargo’s credit culture and approach to risk management.
Strong understanding of loan documentation, credit agreements, and security structure.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of the team providing oversight and management of credit risk for CIB Banking, working to support the objectives and goals of CIB Banking while maintaining prudent credit underwriting standards and sound overall portfolio quality.
Maintain appropriate credit quality and portfolio health by providing informed and thoughtful credit risk guidance, recommendations, and approvals, engaging in regular portfolio evaluation and deteriorating/problem credit review and by escalating matters when appropriate.
Develop and maintain a solid understanding of bank credit policy, regulatory standards and guidance, and risk rating applicability; provide leadership and guidance on these matters to CIB Banking teams and partners.
Develop and maintain appropriate industry and sector knowledge.
Engage product and subject matter experts and other institutional resources as needed to make informed decisions and recommendations.
Review pipeline activity regularly with CIB Banking teams and assist in the management of deadline awareness and coverage team and client expectations.
Provide thoughtful leadership and guidance to teams about necessary due diligence and analytical focus, particularly in merger and acquisition financing situations and on complex deals.
Interact with internal and external customers.