Director of Underwriting

Selby Jennings; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Specialty Finance Platform in New York is seeking a Director of Underwriting to lead the evaluation, structuring, and execution of asset-backed and specialty lending transactions. The role demands strong credit judgment, deep collateral-based analysis, and the ability to drive complex deals from diligence to close.

You will partner with business development, legal, and portfolio management, coordinating with borrowers, sponsors, and advisors to ensure timely, compliant execution

Qualifications

• 8+ years of underwriting experience in private credit, specialty finance, asset-based lending, direct lending, or structured finance.
• Experience leading transactions from origination support through closing.
• Deep understanding of collateral-based credit analysis and deal structuring.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating loan documentation alongside internal and external counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound credit decisions in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting and credit analysis for new lending opportunities.
• Structure financing solutions and develop risk recommendations.
• Manage transactions from diligence through documentation and closing.
• Review collateral, cash flows, borrower performance, and overall creditworthiness.
• Work directly with borrowers, sponsors, advisors, and legal counsel throughout the process.
• Partner cross-functionally with originations, portfolio management, operations, and legal teams to ensure efficient execution.
• Oversee multiple active transactions simultaneously within tight timelines.

Skills

Underwriting

Credit analysis

Deal structuring

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Confidential Specialty Finance Platform | New York

About the Company

Our client is a fast-growing specialty finance firm that provides customized capital solutions to lower middle-market businesses. Operating with an entrepreneurial mindset and a streamlined decision-making process, the firm is known for moving quickly on complex situations and delivering creative financing solutions where traditional lenders often cannot.

The Opportunity

Director of Underwriting

Confidential Specialty Finance Platform | New York

About the Company

Our client is a fast-growing specialty finance firm that provides customized capital solutions to lower middle-market businesses. Operating with an entrepreneurial mindset and a streamlined decision-making process, the firm is known for moving quickly on complex situations and delivering creative financing solutions where traditional lenders often cannot.

The Opportunity

The firm is looking to hire a Director of Underwriting to lead the evaluation, structuring, and execution of asset-backed and specialty lending transactions. This individual will play a key role in assessing credit opportunities, driving deals from initial diligence through closing, and partnering closely with business development, legal, and portfolio management teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting and credit analysis for new lending opportunities.
• Structure financing solutions and develop risk recommendations.
• Manage transactions from diligence through documentation and closing.
• Review collateral, cash flows, borrower performance, and overall creditworthiness.
• Work directly with borrowers, sponsors, advisors, and legal counsel throughout the process.
• Partner cross-functionally with originations, portfolio management, operations, and legal teams to ensure efficient execution.
• Oversee multiple active transactions simultaneously within tight timelines.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of underwriting experience within private credit, specialty finance, asset-based lending, direct lending, or structured finance.
• Strong experience leading transactions from origination support through closing.
• Deep understanding of collateral-based credit analysis and deal structuring.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating loan documentation alongside internal and external counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound credit decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent attention to detail, judgment, and transaction management skills.

Preferred Background

• Asset-based lending or specialty finance experience at a non-bank lender, private credit fund, or entrepreneurial lending platform.
• Experience evaluating complex or special situations transactions.
• Track record working directly with borrowers, sponsors, and legal counterparties.
• Comfortable operating in lean, high-accountability environments where speed and independent decision‑making are critical.