Senior Market Lead - Sponsor Finance Coverage

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) seeks an experienced banking professional in Texas to lead relationship development with Sponsors and clients in Leveraged Finance. You will screen and nurture strategic opportunities, perform due diligence, and collaborate with credit officers to structure favorable financing solutions.

A strong, client-focused mindset is essential for success in this role. The position offers a high-earning potential with a salary range of $200,000–$250,000 and

Qualifications

• Proven track record in client relationships for commercial banking or leveraged finance.
• Strong ability to analyze financial statements, cash flows and valuations.
• Experience in loan structuring and credit approvals, with a client-focused approach.
• Engagement with industry events to maintain market knowledge and relationships.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and alignment with values.

Responsibilities

• Own new strategic relationship acquisition and development targets.
• Screen sponsors to ensure alignment with quantitative/qualitative metrics.
• Perform sponsor diligence and reference checks using multiple sources.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with sponsors and clients.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers and Underwriters to deliver client service.
• Maintain CRM records to forecast pipelines and progress relationships.
• Lead screening and periodic reviews for sponsor relationships.

Skills

Loan structuring

Business development

Credit quality management

Financial statement analysis

Industry engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Accounting

Job description

We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients. At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute. To learn more about CIBC, please visit CIBC.com

What you’ll be doing

• Responsible and accountable for new strategic relationship acquisition and relationship development goals.
• Prioritize externally facing new business development efforts.
• Screen all Private Equity Sponsors in assigned coverage area to make sure they meet the quantitative and qualitative metrics identified to be a targeted CIBC relationship.
• Perform ongoing Sponsor diligence through 3rd party reference checks, data aggregation subscription sources, etc.
• Seek to become trusted advisor through regular Sponsor/Client contact and relationship building with the goal of adding additional value through broader industry knowledge, leverage/EV comps, diligence introductions, etc.
• Maintain and develop Sponsor relationships by delivering an idea generation solutions approach through a holistic view of all Sponsor activities, goals, ambitions, portfolio, past, present and future Funds, etc. that ultimately results in opportunities to provide additional credit and non-credit services.
• Serve as Sponsors’ primary subject matter expert internal resource as it relates to relationship and credit needs.
• Bolster CIBC market presence within the Sponsor community and industry associations with the purpose of promoting the CIBC brand and cultivating potential prospects and referral sources.
• Assist in structuring new opportunities and communicate to Sponsors to bridge client expectations and Bank requirements.
• Effectively interact, provide consistent feedback, and build collaborative relationships with commercial Relationship Managers, Leveraged Finance Underwriters, and credit officers across the Bank’s footprint to ensure delivery of top-notch client service.
• Active development and maintenance of Client Relationship Management (CRM) tracking in order to ensure accurate pipeline forecasting and progress of relationship development strategies.
• Provide guidance during credit events for new strategic relationships, including collaboration with the commercial banking Relationship Managers during analysis and deal approval as needed.
• Participate in initial opportunity screen discussions with the commercial banking Relationship Managers and Leveraged Finance Underwriters.
• Maintain open line of communication with client as new opportunities progress through fulfillment.
• Assist Relationship Managers and Leveraged Finance Underwriters in deal negotiation should an issue arise.
• Actively participate in internal Sponsor pipeline meetings to maintain an understanding of current market dynamics and alignment of the Bank’s risk appetite.
• Participate in portfolio reviews and portfolio management, to stay informed on all relevant activity related to their strategic relationships.
• Lead screening and periodic review efforts for both new and existing assigned Sponsor relationships.

Who you are

• Client-focused: You put clients first, engaging with purpose to find the right solutions and going the extra mile because it’s the right thing to do.
• Industry Experience: You have 10+ years of experience in Leverage Finance. You are skilled in loan structuring, business development, and have a solid understanding of financial statements and accounting principles, including valuation techniques and cash flow analysis.
• Educational background: You have a bachelor’s degree (preferred) or diploma in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Completion of a Commercial Banking Training Program or equivalent is desirable.
• Ownership mindset: You act like an owner, thriving when empowered to take initiative, go above and beyond, and deliver results.
• Values-driven: You bring your authentic self to work and live our values — trust, teamwork, and accountability.

What you need to succeed

• A proven track record of developing and managing client relationships in commercial banking.
• Expertise in loan structuring, business development, and credit quality management.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to analyze financial statements, cash flow, and valuation.
• A collaborative mindset to deliver seamless client service and build effective internal and external partnerships.
• Active engagement in industry events to maintain current market knowledge and relationships.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and living CIBC’s values every day.

What CIBC Offers

At CIBC, we offer a competitive total rewards package. This role has an expected salary range of $200,000 - 250,000 based on experience, qualifications, and location of the position. The successful candidate may be eligible to participate in the relevant business unit’s incentive compensation plan, which also may include a discretionary bonus component. CIBC offers a full range of benefits and programs to meet our employee’s needs; including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability, and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation), Holidays, and 401(k), in addition to other special perks reserved for our team members. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

What you need to know

California residents — your privacy rights regarding your actual or prospective employment. CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. You need to be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified above and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit. We may ask you to complete an attribute-based assessment and other skills tests (such as simulation, coding, MS Office). Our goal for the application process is to get to know more about you, all that you have to offer, and give you the opportunity to learn more about us.

Job Location: TX - 2121 N. Pearl Street

Employment Type: Regular

Weekly Hours: 40

Skills: Business Development, Client Service, Competitive Intelligence (CI), Customer Retentions, Investment Research, New Business Acquisition, People Management, Promotional Activities, Relationship Management

At CIBC, we are in business to help our clients, employees and shareholders achieve what is important to them. Our ability to create value for all CIBC stakeholders is driven by a business culture based on common values: Trust, Teamwork and Accountability. Working with CIBC makes you a part of a work environment committed to our clients, employees and communities - a place where you can excel. Every day, our 48,000 employees help our clients achieve their financial goals, because what matters to our clients, matters to us.