Commercial Underwriting Manager

Columbia Banking System; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Los Angeles, CA is seeking an experienced Vice President to oversee the commercial underwriting workflow and loan portfolio management. You will coordinate cross‑functional processes, guide credit decisions, and lead a team of Credit Analysts, Underwriters, and Portfolio Managers.

You will ensure compliance with bank policies, supervise training, and engage with sales staff to deliver timely, high‑quality credit services. This position is onsite at our Grand Ave location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 4-7 years of Commercial underwriting or portfolio experience.
• Supervisory/management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee workflow for commercial underwriting and loan portfolio management.
• Direct timely completion of credit authorizations and letters.
• Coach and develop Credit Analysts, Underwriters, and Portfolio Managers.
• Ensure compliance with bank policies and regulations.

Skills

Commercial underwriting

Credit portfolio management

Leadership / supervision

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

T-Soft

Filemaker Pro

Job description

About the Role:

• Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a Commercial credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned market ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies.
• Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
• Direct timely and accurate completion of Commercial credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
• Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Administrators while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
• Oversee management of Commercial loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
• Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development.
• May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
• Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
• Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions.
• Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files.
• Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
• Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
• Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments.
• Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training.
• Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
• Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

About You:

EducationBachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)Experience4-7 years — of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)4-7 years — of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)

Skills:

Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA Credit and Environmental policies, SBA lending and eligibility standards, and SBA documentation, if applicable to assigned position.Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage customer relationships.Ability to partner effectively with team (i.e. Commercial Relationship Manager, Underwriter) and Credit Administration.Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, T-Soft, and Filemaker Pro preferred).

Travel RequirementsOccasional

The pay range for this role is $130,000.00 to $190,000.00.The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location:

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).333 S Grand Ave Suites 3580 Los Angeles CA 90071

Our Benefits:

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an 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, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail] .

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.