Sr CRE Relationship Manager

Columbia Bank; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Irvine, CA seeking a seasoned CRE Relationship Lead to source and deepen banking relationships with professional developers and sophisticated CRE investors. You will lead underwriting and analyst teams, coordinating multi-product solutions across construction, bridge, and permanent loans.

The role requires 10+ years in CRE lending, strong client relationship skills, and collaboration with internal partners to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Located onsite in Irvine.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of CRE lending experience.
• Strong relationship management and business development abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting and analyst teams for a large, complex CRE portfolio.
• Source CRE opportunities and develop financing structures (construction, bridge, permanent).
• Coordinate with Treasury Management and Global Payment & Deposit Services to grow multi-product relationships.
• Drive overall relationship strategy and ensure exceptional client experience.
• Prepare credit committee memos and internal memos on financing proposals.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations and bank policies.

Skills

Relationship management

Credit underwriting

CRE lending

Financial analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Business/Finance/Accounting degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Responsible for sourcing and developing full banking relationships with professional developers and sophisticated Commercial Real Estate (CRE) investors. Serve as the relationship lead for all lending, deposit, and all other bank products, collaborating with internal partner experts. Independently identify opportunities for existing clients and prospects with their market to provide CRE financing solutions including construction, bridge, and permanent loans across a range of product types. Lead underwriting and analyst team in managing a large, complex portfolio to identify and communicate risk and to monitor credit quality. Responsible for sourcing new CRE relationships as well as managing and deepening existing ones. Lead origination team of Underwriters, Loan Administrators, and outside counsel by coordinating the underwriting, approval, and documentation of complex CRE loans. Responsible for setting and meeting client expectations and driving an exceptional customer experience. Collaborate with internal partners in Treasury Management and Global Payment and Deposit Services to create deep relationships with multiple streams of income. Responsible for driving overall relationship strategy focused on enhancing relationships across multiple bank products. Lead, direct, and coordinate the underwriting team in the monitoring of a large, complex CRE portfolio. Responsible for identifying and communicating credit risk by leading the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual status reports. Analyze new CRE financing opportunities, design an appropriate credit structure and pricing, and prepare internal memos outlining the proposed financing including the identification of key risks. Responsible for managing the underwriting team in drafting of credit committee memos. Take a hands‑on role in the preparation and review of credit presentations to ensure timely, high‑quality analysis. Responsible for the due diligence on all financing opportunities including lease reviews, analysis of appraisals and third‑party reports. Drives a robust analysis of the sponsors’ contingent debt, liquidity, global cash‑flow, and their ability to meet all financial obligations. May work on lending opportunities across the western US for clients within their prospective market. 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 B, 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 in Business, Finance, Accounting or equivalent (preferred) in Business Administration (preferred)

Experience 10+ years — experience in commercial real estate lending (Required)

Skills

Proven track record of independently developing and growing a large, complex CRE portfolio with an understanding of the importance of balancing business development and asset quality. Deep experience working in relationship management teams, collaborating with colleagues in a way that fosters trust and encourages a sense of ownership in all team members. Excellent relationship management and business development abilities, analytical and problem‑solving skills, sales skills, and credit and credit quality skills. Very strong client relationship and internal partnering skills. Demonstrates high emotional intelligence. Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage customer relationships. Ability to partner effectively with senior credit officers. Expert credit analysis and underwriting skills, including accounting, financial statement and cash flow analysis experience. Expert knowledge of commercial real estate lending policies, procedures, practices and documentation and extensive knowledge of bank products. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Word and Excel. Thorough knowledge of bank’s risk‑rating system, credit and underwriting policies. Strong working knowledge with structuring credit products to commercial real estate businesses/entities with complex ownership structures.

Travel Requirements

Occasional

The pay range for this role is $135,000 to $200,000. 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 1200 Irvine CA 92614

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. 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.

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.