CRE Senior Loan Underwriter

Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union is seeking a seasoned CRE Underwriter to assess large, complex commercial real estate loans, including construction projects, by evaluating cash flow, rent rolls, appraisals, and market trends to support sound credit decisions.

The role also involves mentoring junior underwriters, presenting to the Credit Committee, and contributing to underwriting policy and workflow improvements to ensure timely closings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of CRE underwriting, commercial lending, or portfolio management.
• Expert-level financial analysis and regulatory knowledge.
• Leadership and training of underwriting team.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting for CRE transactions, including construction and portfolios.
• Assess cash flow, rent rolls, and third-party reports to inform credit decisions.
• Present recommendations to the Credit Committee or senior management.
• Mentor junior underwriters and contribute to policy development and process improvements.
• Coordinate with processors, loan officers, and closers to ensure timely closings.

Skills

CRE underwriting

Financial analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for underwriting loans secured by both owner-occupied and tenant-based commercial properties (e.g., office buildings, retail units/centers, multifamily housing). Assesses property cash flow, valuation, tenant stability, and local market conditions. Reviews borrower’s portfolio and experience with CRE assets. Assesses business operations where applicable and the overall financial condition of the borrower and related parties, including personal assets and Global Cash Flow. Analyzes rent rolls, lease agreements, and third-party appraisals, environmental and property condition reports. Evaluates risk factors such as property location, type, and economic trends. Prepare accurate and succinct credit memorandum including financial review, third party report review & analysis, organizational documentation & structure and analysis of the risks associated with the transaction. Prepares recommendations and presents complex cases to credit committees if needed. Provides support to processors, loan officers, and closers as needed to resolve deal-specific challenges and ensure efficient progression through underwriting and closing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting for large, complex, or high-risk CRE transactions, including construction, multi-phase, or portfolio loans.
• Understand and able to manage all aspects of construction lending, including risks associated with the transaction, Title Policy requirements, reviewing draw requests and monitoring of Construction Management controls.
• Conduct advanced risk assessment, scenario analysis, and stress testing for the CRE loan portfolio.
• Structure, negotiate, and recommend complex and high-value loans, including loan workouts and restructurings.
• Assist with Portfolio Management through monitoring portfolio mix, concentrations, maturities, and credit quality; recommend strategies for extensions, modifications, and risk mitigation.
• Present and defend loan recommendations to the Credit Committee or senior management.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting policies, risk appetite statements, and workflow enhancements.
• Lead training, mentorship, and development of junior and intermediate underwriters.
• Engage with auditors, regulators, and external stakeholders as needed.
• May require consultation with executive management for deals above personal authority limits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in CRE underwriting, commercial lending, or portfolio management.
• Expert-level financial analysis, regulatory knowledge, negotiation, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Advanced industry certifications are highly regarded.
• Provides leadership and training for the underwriting team.
• Oversees process improvement and risk management initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in CRE underwriting, commercial lending, or portfolio management.
• Expert-level financial analysis, regulatory knowledge, negotiation, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Advanced industry certifications are highly regarded.
• Provides leadership and training for the underwriting team.
• Oversees process improvement and risk management initiatives.

Acts as the subject matter expert for regulatory exams, audits, and complex loan closings, as needed.