Middle Market Regional Credit Director

Columbia Bank; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement savings plan with EM

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Identity theft protection

Legal support

Auto and home insurance

Pet insurance

Discount marketplace

Paid vacation

Sick days

Volunteer days

Holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Irvine, CA is seeking a senior credit professional to oversee a large commercial loan portfolio and provide credit support to underwriters and relationship managers. You will ensure adherence to credit quality guidelines and collaborate across internal teams to support timely service.

Responsibilities include leading a team of underwriters, analyzing complex credits, presenting recommendations, and developing credit programs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior credit approval/commercial lending experience.
• 7-10 years of supervisory/management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of lending, underwriting and finance industry.
• Strong understanding of credit risk and regulation.

Responsibilities

• Provide credit support to a large portfolio and underwriting team.
• Analyze financial data and present formal recommendations to Relationship Managers.
• Manage development and implementation of credit programs and processes.
• Coordinate with appraisal, environmental, and legal departments for credit decisions.
• Oversee annual loan reviews and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lending underwriting

Credit risk factors

Banking regulations

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Finance/Accounting

Master's Degree in Business/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role:

Responsible for providing credit support to a large and complex portfolio of Commercial relationships and a team of Underwriters. Ensures 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 Support and monitor a large and complex commercial banking loan portfolio by analyzing financial data to determine the merits of specific loan requests; regularly making and presenting formal recommendations to Relationship Managers and Credit Administration. Responsible for management, development and implementation of credit programs and processes that result in accurate and timely assessment of loan and portfolio risk, and timely actions that address identified risks. Makes decisions on loans and terms within established lending limits or refers these issues to next appropriate level of authority. Analyzes credit to determine the ability of customers and prospective customers to qualify for ensuing borrowing requirements Manage and develop a team of Underwriters to produce effective and complete loan application packages to ensure a streamlined application/approval process. Analyze portfolio risk within risk rating guidelines, evaluate credits, make appropriate recommendations, and monitor collateral values, valuation dates, and methodology. Oversees completion of annual loan reviews on each credit in the portfolio. Responsible for participating in the development and retention of customer relationships. Coordinate with internal (Appraisal, environmental, and legal departments) and external service providers to facilitate effective collaboration throughout the credit decision and documentation processes. 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.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of Business, Finance, Accounting, or related fields (preferred)
• Master’s Degree in the field of Business, Accounting, Finance, or related fields (preferred)

Experience

• More than 10 years of experience in senior credit approval/commercial lending and/or underwriting. (Required)
• 7-10 years of supervisory/management experience. (Required)

Skills

• Significant experience and in-depth knowledge of lending, underwriting, and the finance industry.
• Advanced knowledge of credit risk factors and ability to appropriately rate credits.
• Extensive experience with banking regulations, policies, and methods of operation.
• Proven leadership, organizational, negotiation, decision making, problem solving, and analytical abilities.
• Proven ability to drive results in a team oriented, goal driven environment and partner with other leadership to maximize results.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Possesses strong computer skills including use of the Microsoft Office suite with the ability to learn new business software, as needed.

Travel Requirements

Occasional

The Pay Range for this role is $175,000 to $250,000.

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). 17901 Von Karman Avenue Suite 150 Irvine CA 92614

Our Benefits

• comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• 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
• paid vacation
• sick days
• volunteer days
• 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.

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career.

As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship‑based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive.

Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means:

Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities. Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies. Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other. Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

Why work for Columbia Bank?

A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives.

Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.