Sr. Underwriter

CalPrivate Bank • San Diego, CA

4h

About The Position

The Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and approving commercial credit requests with a focus on sound risk assessment, portfolio quality, and alignment with the Bank’s credit policies and risk appetite. This role conducts comprehensive financial analysis, assesses borrower strength, evaluates collateral, reviews repayment capacity, and prepares thorough credit memoranda that support informed and well-reasoned credit decisions. The Underwriter partners closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, SBA teams (when applicable), and senior credit leadership to structure financing solutions that balance client needs with prudent risk mitigation.

Beyond individual credit decisions, the Underwriter plays an essential role in strengthening the overall credit culture of the Bank. Their work enhances the accuracy and consistency of the underwriting process, improves portfolio performance, and supports responsible growth across the commercial lending platform. Through collaboration, clear communication, and a high degree of analytical rigor, the Underwriter contributes to more effective pipeline management, quicker turnaround times, and an elevated client experience. This role directly impacts both departmental success and organizational stability by ensuring CalPrivate lends responsibly, protects asset quality, and maintains the high standards expected of a relationship-driven, risk-disciplined financial institution

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive experience in commercial credit underwriting, preferably within a community, private or commercial banking environment.
• Strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, and global cash flow assessments.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial lending practices, credit policy standards, regulatory requirements, and risk rating methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to structure credit solutions that balance clients needs with risk mitigation, supported by clear, well-reasoned recommendations in written credit memoranda.
• Experience with diverse credit types, including C&I, commercial real estate, SBA, professional services and privately held business lending.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical accuracy, with the ability to identify key credit drivers, emerging risks and appropriate covenant structures.
• Strong communication and partnership skills, with the ability to work effectively with Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, SBA teams, Loan Operations, and senior credit leadership.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, handle a high-volume pipeline, and meet turnaround expectations without compromising quality.
• Proficiency in credit analysis software, financial spreading tools, loan origination systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred.
• You lead with accountability, integrity, and consistency.
• You thrive in a collaborative environment where transparency and follow-through matter.
• You model professionalism, calm under pressure, and have a solutions-oriented mindset.
• You embrace data-driven decision-making while maintaining a client-first perspective.
• You embody CalPrivate’s culture, heart for client, excellence in service, and deep commitment to the Bank and its people.
• Requires 50% travel in order to support clients, cultivate business development opportunities and meeting with prospects.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to physically use a keyboard/mouse
• Ability to walk to and from workstations
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 10lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus

Responsibilities

• Develop “needs” list for loan requests and communicate to Relationship Manager or borrower as appropriate.
• Receive and analyze information and prepare Credit Memorandum or assist Relationship Manager as needed.
• Underwriting duties will include spreading financial statements and/or tax returns, borrower and global cash flow analysis, collateral analysis, and identifying key risks and mitigating factors. Underwriting for both new originations and renewals will be primarily comprised of the following loan types: commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans to operating companies, unsecured and other specialized loans to high-net-worth individuals.
• Submit Credit Memorandums to loan approvers and provide support to loan processors as needed to close approved loans.
• This position includes direct or indirect interaction with customers and other employees and therefore includes responsibilities relating to BSA/AML.
• The employee will have opportunity to examine and view information and documents produced by other employees of the Bank relating to BSA and therefore has the obligation to report suspicious activity to the BSA Officer as appropriate.
• The employee is responsible for understanding and following the Bank’s BSA/AML policies including elevating suspicious activity to the BSA Officer.
• Additionally, the employee is required to understand and follow the Bank’s compliance program BSA/AML policies including elevating suspicious activity to the BSA Officer.
• Additionally, the employee is required to understand and follow the Bank’s compliance program.

What This Job Offers

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