VP of Underwriting & Credit Risk

Column Technical Services • Woodbridge, NJ

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Column Technical Services is seeking a seasoned VP of Underwriting and Credit Risk to join the Risk organization team to lead the full credit lifecycle across consumer and small business lending in Woodbridge, NJ. You'll build data‑driven underwriting models, shape credit strategy with senior leadership, and drive portfolio performance for a fast‑growing, tech‑forward lender. If you're a hands‑on credit expert who thrives in analytical, high‑ownership environments, this role offers the chance to make a major impact. We encourage you to apply and explore this exciting opportunity! In this role this leader will oversee the full credit lifecycle across consumer and small business lending, ensuring underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management strategies support both growth and risk objectives. The role requires deep expertise in evaluating individual and business loans, incorporating FICO scores, debt ratios, and other borrower metrics into credit decisions. You will work closely with the CRO and senior leadership to support financing partners, portfolio reporting, and new product development. Leveraging data and analytics, you will refine underwriting models, approval strategies, and pricing methodologies to drive performance and optimize returns. You will also monitor portfolio trends, credit metrics, and emerging risks to proactively manage losses. As a senior leader, you will mentor a high-performing credit and risk team while upholding strong governance, compliance, and internal controls. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance to Woodbridge, NJ and be able to work onsite three days per week.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in banking and/or financial technology with deep expertise in underwriting, credit risk management, credit model development, and credit policy design
• Minimum 3 years of senior leadership experience
• Proven track record building data-driven, highly automated, scalable underwriting and credit decisioning platforms
• Strong background in consumer lending and small business equipment lending, including at least 2 years in sub-prime credit
• Expertise evaluating individual and business loans, incorporating FICO scores and debt ratios into underwriting decisions
• Experience developing and managing credit policies and partnering with legal teams on regulatory and documentation frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage third-party vendor relationships
• Hands-on leadership style with strong attention to detail and execution discipline
• Ability to commute to Woodbridge, NJ three times per week (Tues-Thurs)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Finance, or a quantitative field

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing both prime and sub-prime loan portfolios in the U.S.
• Background in delinquency management, collections strategies, and loss mitigation
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex credit concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working with credit bureaus, loan processors, and collections agencies
• Familiarity with ML-driven underwriting models and emerging trends in credit risk
• Experience evaluating individual and business loans using FICO-based underwriting approaches

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting, credit risk management, and portfolio management functions across consumer and small business lending, including individual and business loan products
• Design, implement, and validate automated underwriting models, analytics, and loan decisioning processes within digital lending platforms
• Develop, maintain, and manage credit policies, underwriting standards, and governance frameworks, including FICO score thresholds and debt ratio requirements
• Implement risk-based pricing strategies, loan-loss models, and portfolio analytics to optimize risk-adjusted returns
• Monitor and report on portfolio performance, including approval rates, delinquency, losses, FICO score distributions, and pricing effectiveness
• Partner with the CRO and senior leadership to shape credit strategy, growth initiatives, and new product launches
• Support financing partner relationships through portfolio reporting and credit risk insights
• Collaborate with legal counsel to identify regulatory and legal risks and ensure compliant credit documentation
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors such as credit bureaus, loan processors, analytics providers, and collections agencies

What This Job Offers

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