Middle Market Underwriting Manager

Columbia Bank; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with employer match

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Paid vacation, sick days, holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank in San Diego, CA seeks a senior leader to oversee underwriting workflow and loan portfolio management. You will direct timely credit authorizations, optimize processes, and coach a team of analysts and underwriters.

Responsibilities include policy compliance, audit liaison, and preparing Loan Committee materials. The role requires 4–7 years in underwriting/portfolio management and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field (preferred).
• 4–7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management, or related experience (Required).
• 4–7 years of supervisory/management experience (Required).
• Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
• Advanced knowledge of managing a commercial loan portfolio.
• Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation.
• Knowledge of SBA 504 policies, lending, and eligibility standards (if applicable).
• Strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret credit reports, financial statements, and tax returns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee workflow management for underwriting and loan portfolio team.
• Direct timely completion of credit authorizations and commitment letters.
• Ensure compliance with bank policies and regulations.
• Lead Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers.
• Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review for audits.
• Prepare Loan Committee presentations and annual quality reviews.
• Train staff on credit policies and systems.

Skills

Commercial underwriting

Loan portfolio management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Credit policies

Team training

Communication skills

Financial statement analysis

Credit reports interpretation

CreditLens

nCino

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

CreditLens

nCino

Word

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring 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. Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products. Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures. Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures. Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on‑going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students. Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes. Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files. Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners. Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary. 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.

About You

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)

Experience

• 4-7 years — of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
• 4-7 years — of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)

Skills

• Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
• Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
• Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation.
• Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
• Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
• Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).

Travel Requirements

• Occasional

The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000. 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). 4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122

Our Benefits

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 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, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and 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.

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