Credit Lead

City National Bank; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 263,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Tuition Reimbursement

Time Off

Fertility benefits

Career Mobility

ERGs

Job summary

City National Bank is seeking a Credit Lead-Middle Market in Irvine, CA to oversee credit portfolios, mentor a team, and drive risk-aware growth across multiple industries. The role emphasizes adjudication, portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration in a relationship-focused banking model.

The ideal candidate brings extensive credit underwriting, portfolio management experience, and strong leadership skills, with a track record of coaching and delivering high-quality credit work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Business, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of credit underwriting and portfolio management experience
• Minimum 3 years of leadership and coaching experience in underwriting or credit management

Responsibilities

• Oversee credit adjudication and portfolio management for assigned region/industry
• Lead a team of Credit Solutions colleagues, coaching and performance managing
• Monitor portfolio performance and ensure high credit quality and risk controls
• Drive business growth through strategic market analysis and cross-functional collaboration
• Manage day-to-day credit operations and advise on new credits and approvals
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape

Skills

Credit underwriting

Portfolio management

Leadership

Risk management

Credit analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Business

Job description

CREDIT LEAD-Middle Market

WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?

The Credit Lead is responsible for overseeing the management of credit portfolios within a certain region or industry. The Credit Lead will be involved in certain transactions, and depending on the size of the team and the size of the portfolio, may be expected to manage a portfolio of their own. On other transactions, the Credit Lead will serve as a point of escalation. The Credit Lead will be responsible for the quality and oversight of all credits for a specific set of Portfolio Managers, Credit Associates, and Credit Analysts. Activities will include credit adjudication with delegated credit authorities. This role will report to the Credit Manager and will work closely with them to manage a portfolio and oversee colleagues. This role be responsible for the day-to-day activities of managing a portfolio, including proactive management of colleagues' workflows to ensure that quality and accurate work product is delivered within cycle times. Depending on the team structure, the Credit Lead may have direct reports—regardless of reporting line, the Credit Lead is expected to coach and train colleagues at various levels in the Credit Solutions organization. The Credit Lead is expected to have knowledge of the portfolio managed by each colleague to ensure balanced workload and an understanding of to whom new clients/credits should be assigned. As part of talent management responsibilities, the Credit Lead periodically will review a sample colleagues' work product and provide feedback to colleagues.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Serve middle market clients – typically privately held companies with annual revenues ranging from $50 million to $1 billion – across a wide range of industries and geographies.
• Provide customized credit and banking solutions to support working capital, capital expenditures, growth, acquisitions, and other strategic business needs.
• Operate within a relationship-focused model that emphasizes risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term client partnerships.
• Team Management: Leads and manages a team of Credit Solutions colleagues of various levels, providing functional guidance, risk management coaching, and performance management.
• Credit Management: OverseesServe middle market clients – typically privately held companies with annual revenues ranging from $50 million to $1 billion – across a wide range of industries and geographies.
• Provide customized credit and banking solutions to support working capital, capital expenditures, growth, acquisitions, and other strategic business needs.
• Operate within a relationship-focused model that emphasizes risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term client partnerships. credit analysis, underwriting, and portfolio management within the assigned industry/region/or credit line, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and risk management practices. May be involved in the initial assessment process for new credits, subsequent credit approval discussions, and management of the team’s workflow.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitors and analyzes portfolio performance.
• Risk Management: Ensures effective risk management practices are in place, maintaining high standards of credit quality and origination in alignment with Bank’s credit risk appetite, and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Business Growth: Drives business growth through strategic planning, market analysis, and identifying new opportunities.
• Collaboration: Works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and effective credit operations to achieve the Bank’s strategic initiatives. Participate in and run ad-hoc projects to support the organization’s priorities.
• Industry Awareness: Stays informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to proactively address potential impacts on the region/industry and credit operations.
• Talent Management: Engages in formal and informal talent management activities to train, develop, manage, and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Business, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of progressively increasing credit underwriting and portfolio management experience in relevant industry/industries
• Minimum 3 years of leadership and coaching experience in underwriting or credit management, even if informal

Additional Qualifications

• Advanced experience in credit management and lending operations, with a strong understanding of risk management principles
• Proven leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to train and develop talent
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions
• Industry-specific knowledge and expertise

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Compensation

Starting base salary: $141,830 - $263,408 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and/or commissions.

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
• Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
• Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
• Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
• Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
• Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
• Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement

Get a more detailed look at our Benefits and Perks.

ABOUT US

Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies. To learn more about City National and our dynamic company culture, visit us at About Us.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

*Represents basic qualifications for the position. To be considered for this position, you must at least meet the required qualifications. careers.cnb.com accepts applications on an ongoing basis, until filled.

Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.