Senior Portfolio Manager - Public Finance

Hilltop Holdings•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Public Finance Portfolio Manager with PlainsCapital Bank is responsible for independently underwriting and managing a complex portfolio of public finance relationships, including governmental, institutional, and non-profit entities. This role serves as a strategic partner to the relationship team as well as senior leadership, contributing to the development and execution of credit strategies that support the Bank’s growth and risk management objectives. In addition to managing credit exposure, the Senior Portfolio Manager plays a key role in client engagement, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive financial solutions. This includes identifying opportunities for deposit growth, treasury services, and other Bank products and services that enhance client value and deepen relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business related field required. Strong preference for Finance or Accounting major or concentration. MBA preferred.
Minimum 5 years experience in a portfolio or relationship management role serving governmental, institutional, and non-profit entities.
Completion of formal commercial credit training or similar program strongly preferred.
Experience and strong working knowledge of fund accounting principles and analysis.
Rating agency experience preferred (S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch).
Strong understanding of municipal bond market structures and trends.
Ability to coach and mentor junior staff.
Demonstrated comprehension of the application of financial theory to borrower/issuer credit worthiness with solid understanding of municipal finance private placement loan structures.
Demonstrated ability to lead client relationship development and portfolio growth strategies
Ability to travel as needed to help develop and maintain customer and prospect relationships.
Ability to work after Bank operating hours and/or on the weekend.
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent PC skills, including word processing and spreadsheets via Microsoft Office products as well as custom applications and systems.
Excellent analytical, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task and work in a deadline-driven environment.
Must be self-motivated with strong initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
Ability to interface effectively and professionally with senior/executive level management.

Responsibilities

Directly manages a portfolio, including complex public finance relationships. Portfolio management responsibilities include gathering, analyzing and testing financial data collected for the purpose of monitoring the loan relationship while performing portfolio management tasks including the underwriting of annual reviews and renewals, completing covenant testing verifications, managing reporting and documentation exceptions, and ensuring the loan portfolio is accurately risk rated.
Serves as the liaison within the public finance division assuring new business activities are prioritized while portfolio management responsibilities are managed in accordance with Bank policies.
Reviews credit approval presentations of junior Portfolio Managers and Credit Analysts, focusing on the accuracy of the data and analysis, ensuring all risks are identified and mitigated, and ensuring a structure is in place to appropriately govern the credit based on the risk profile.
Partners with Relationship Managers and Credit Officers to structure sophisticated transactions that balance client needs with the Bank’s risk appetite.
Advises on transaction pricing strategies to optimize risk-adjusted returns and support overall portfolio profitability.
Authors and reviews complex credit memos, ensuring thorough analysis of issuer/borrower financials, credit enhancement strength, transaction structure, risk mitigants, and strategic recommendations.
Supports Relationship Managers in guiding credit requests through the approval process, including participating in presentations to Senior Credit Officers and Loan Committees.
Manages loan modifications and renewals, ensuring appropriate approvals and documentation are obtained in a timely manner.
Identifies emerging credit risks within the portfolio, recommending strategic interventions to preserve asset quality and minimize loss exposure.
Engages in client interactions, participating in relationship development efforts, client meetings, and deal negotiations alongside Relationship Managers.
Builds relationships with municipal advisors, municipal underwriters, placement/solicitation agents, and bond counsels.
Maintains working knowledge of Bank products, services, departments; consults with Relationship Managers on cross-sell opportunities.
Actively participates in and complete all assigned training and development sessions/initiatives.
Other duties as required.