CRE Portfolio Manager - AVP

Associated Bank; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Bank is seeking a Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager in Chicago to lead evaluation of lending opportunities and manage a diverse CRE portfolio. You will partner with Relationship Managers to assess opportunities, monitor performance, and deliver sound credit recommendations that support growth and client success.

The role emphasizes thorough credit analyses, due diligence, and cross‑functional collaboration to manage risk and compliance while driving portfolio growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 3+ years of commercial real estate lending, underwriting, credit analysis, or credit approval experience.
• Strong financial analysis and portfolio management skills.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Analyze borrower, guarantor, property, and market information to evaluate loan requests, renewals, modifications, and annual reviews.
• Prepare comprehensive credit analyses and recommendations to support lending decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance, loan repayment activity, and financial trends to identify risk.
• Maintain accurate risk ratings and ensure compliance with lending policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Relationship Managers to support client retention, portfolio growth, and outstanding client service.
• Conduct due diligence on new business opportunities and assist with opportunity memos and credit presentations.
• Collaborate with Credit, Operations, and internal partners to effectively manage client relationships and portfolio needs.
• Contribute to special projects, loan approval activities, and community engagement efforts that support business objectives.

Skills

Commercial real estate lending

Credit analysis

Underwriting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting or related field

CFA designation (preferred)

Job description

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires.

As a Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager, you’ll play a key role in managing and growing a diverse commercial real estate portfolio. You’ll partner with Relationship Managers to evaluate lending opportunities, monitor portfolio performance, and deliver sound credit recommendations that support both client success and responsible growth. This role offers opportunities to deepen your commercial banking expertise and build strong client relationships.

Key Accountabilities

• Analyze borrower, guarantor, property, and market information to evaluate new loan requests, renewals, modifications, and annual reviews.
• Prepare comprehensive credit analyses and recommendations to support informed lending decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance, loan repayment activity, and financial trends to identify and manage risk.
• Maintain accurate risk ratings and ensure compliance with lending policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Relationship Managers to support client retention, portfolio growth, and outstanding client service.
• Conduct due diligence on new business opportunities and assist with opportunity memos and credit presentations.
• Collaborate with Credit, Operations, and internal partners to effectively manage client relationships and portfolio needs.
• Contribute to special projects, loan approval activities, and community engagement efforts that support business objectives.

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of commercial real estate lending, underwriting, credit analysis, or credit approval experience.
• Strong financial analysis and portfolio management skills.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel as needed.

Preferred

• 3+ years of experience analyzing complex commercial credit relationships.
• Experience supporting business development and client relationship activities.
• Formal credit training.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Associated Bank, you’ll join a collaborative team that values relationship building, sound decision-making, and professional growth. You’ll gain exposure to complex commercial real estate transactions while working alongside experienced banking professionals committed to your development and success.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience.

In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life.

• Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans.

• Paid time off to volunteer in your community.

• Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focusedColleague Resource Groups.

• Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities.

• Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave,anemployee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.

• Personal banking, loan, investmentand insurance benefits.

Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest.Join our community on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

Compliance Statement

Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors.

Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR.

Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank’s anonymous Ethics Hotline.

Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please [e-mail] you need an accommodation at any time during the process.

Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify NoticeEnglish or Spanish. Know Your Right to WorkEnglishorSpanish.

Associated Bank isPay Transparencycompliant.

The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role.

For certain positions, total compensation may also include incentive, commission, or bonus opportunities not reflected in the posted base pay range.

$63,000.00 - $108,000.00 per year