Senior Middle-Market Underwriter & Portfolio Leader

First Citizens Bank; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens Bank in California is seeking an experienced Middle Market Banking professional to lead underwriting and portfolio management within a hybrid office setting. You will run the underwriting process end-to-end, interface with borrowers and intermediaries, and guide risk management decisions to support growth for privately held and public companies.

The role emphasizes strong credit analysis, supervisory leadership, and the ability to communicate complex terms to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years of credit experience or a high school diploma with 12+ years in credit analysis, underwriting or risk management.
• Completion of a formal credit training program preferred.
• Management or supervisory experience.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications.

Responsibilities

• Run/coordinate the underwriting process from initial client discussions to closing, including deal vetting, structuring, term sheet issuance, and preparation of a Credit Approval Memo.
• Interface with Borrowers, Agent Banks, and Third Party Intermediaries.
• Actively participate in credit approval request meetings with Credit Partners.
• Oversee post-closing loan modifications, extensions, and ongoing portfolio monitoring including risk rating accuracy.
• Monitor changes in the economy and macroeconomic environment and advise executive management on opportunities to enhance shareholder value.
• Advise on strategies to ensure risks are properly identified and portfolio composition aligns with the Bank balance sheet.

Skills

Credit analysis

Underwriting

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree + 8 years

High School Diploma or GED + 12 years

Job description

First Citizens Bank in California is seeking an experienced Middle Market Banking professional to lead underwriting and portfolio management within a hybrid office setting. You will run the underwriting process end-to-end, interface with borrowers and intermediaries, and guide risk management decisions to support growth for privately held and public companies.

The role emphasizes strong credit analysis, supervisory leadership, and the ability to communicate complex terms to senior leadership.