SVP, Credit Risk & Portfolio Governance

Sunwest Bank; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunwest Bank is seeking a proven Senior Leader for the Head of Credit Risk Management position in Irvine, CA. This on-site role reports to the Chief Credit Officer and leads the credit risk function, ensuring strong governance and portfolio performance while collaborating with executive management to support growth.

The role requires extensive experience in credit governance, underwriting, PD/LGD concepts, and risk management frameworks.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in credit administration leadership.
• Deep understanding of credit governance, regulatory expectations, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience scaling credit processes and infrastructure in growth-oriented institutions.

Responsibilities

• Partner with CCO and executive leadership to align credit strategy with broader financial, growth, and capital allocation priorities.
• Oversee the Bank’s credit risk management function including lending policies, procedures, processes, and governance to ensure regulatory compliance and prudent banking practices.
• Enhance efficiency and scalability through improved workflows, communication, and supporting technology tools and infrastructure.
• Develop and recommend strategies to improve credit underwriting and portfolio monitoring processes to support increased deal volume and organizational growth.
• Partner with Portfolio Managers and Underwriters to provide ongoing oversight of the loan portfolio, monitor credit quality and emerging risks.
• Identify emerging credit risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Assist CCO with loan audit processes, regulatory exams, and liaising with regulators and external auditors on credit matters.
• Provide supervisory leadership of credit administration staff and support board reporting and portfolio analyses.

Skills

Credit risk leadership

Regulatory compliance

Executive communication

Job description

Sunwest Bank is seeking a proven Senior Leader for the Head of Credit Risk Management position in Irvine, CA. This on-site role reports to the Chief Credit Officer and leads the credit risk function, ensuring strong governance and portfolio performance while collaborating with executive management to support growth.

The role requires extensive experience in credit governance, underwriting, PD/LGD concepts, and risk management frameworks.