VP, Commercial Credit Manager

Columbia Bank Northeast; Fair Lawn (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Bank is seeking an experienced Commercial Credit Manager to oversee underwriting, training, and supervision of credit analysts. You will coordinate credits, review memorandums, ensure compliance with policies, and mentor the team to deliver accurate analyses.

The role involves approving complex loans, coordinating assignments, and maintaining knowledge of regulatory requirements. A strong background in credit analysis and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in Commercial Credit, ideally with lending authority.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience or as Sr. Credit Analyst.
• Strong knowledge of commercial loan products, policies, procedures and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement training and development strategies for all credit analysts.
• Test underlying logic of credit analysis and address uncertainties identified during analysis.

Skills

Financial analysis

Leadership

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

Bachelor’s in Accounting

Bachelor’s in Finance

MBA

Tools

MS Office Suite

Credit analysis software

Job description

Columbia Bank is a full-service consumer and commercial bank serving individuals, businesses, and communities across New Jersey, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Through our banking, title, insurance, and wealth management businesses, we provide a broad range of financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We are also committed to strengthening the communities we serve through employee volunteerism, community partnerships, and the Columbia Bank Foundation.

Why This Role Matters

Assists the 1st VP, Commercial Credit Manager in the supervision of the commercial credit underwriting function. Coordinates the distribution and assignment of credits to analysts. Reviews drafted credit memorandums for consistency, accuracy, thoroughness, as well as policy/procedural compliance. Actively involved in the training and development of credit analysts. Analyzes more complex or time sensitive credits.

What You’ll Deliver / Areas of Impact

Credit Training and Development

• Responsible for the development and implementation of an appropriate training and development strategy for all credit analysts.
• Works with credit analysts to test the underlying logic/reasoning of the credit analysis as well as address all areas of uncertainty, discrepancy or concern that are identified during analysis.

Perform Review and Approvals of Loans

• Closely reviews and approves if within designated authority drafted credit memorandums and credit file reviews submitted by analysts to ensure uniformity, accuracy, thoroughness and fairness of all facts presented.
• Ensures that appropriate credit structure is employed in all credit underwriting and approval documents.
• Exercises prudent judgement in making sound credit decisions or approval recommendations to higher authorities.

Credit Analyst Supervision

• Exercises the usual authority of a manager including supervising, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, salary recommendations and disciplinary actions.
• Demonstrates a commitment and responsibility to Equal Employment and Aff…

Underwrites Loans

• Performs credit analysis on more complex and/or time sensitive credit requests.

Assignment of Loans

• Assists the Senior Commercial Credit Manager with coordinating and monitoring the assignment of credits for underwriting.
• Ensures that credits submitted for analysis are accompanied by adequate information to commence analysis and follows all regulatory guidelines.

Policies and Regulations

• Maintains a current knowledge of all laws and regulatory requirements affecting the commercial lending process as well as the Bank’s compliance policies and procedures.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other job-related duties as may be assigned.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or other related field required, MBA preferred;
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Commercial Credit, preferably with lending authority, required;
• Minimum 5 years leadership experience or as a Sr. Credit Analyst;
• Working knowledge and understanding of commercial loan products, policies, procedures and federal regulations;
• Strong aptitude for figures and accuracy;
• Proven problem solving, decision making, underwriting and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated knowledge of applied accounting and finance concepts as well as proficiency in performing detailed financial analyses;
• Ability to work independently, effectively, and efficiently under time constraints;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments with good organizational and time management skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software including MS Office applications and other specialized credit analysis and lending software.
• Actively foster and model Columbia Bank’s culture by promoting collaboration, accountability, and a high-performance, client-centric mindset.

Technology Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Comfortable using multiple systems and digital tools in a fast-paced banking environment.
• Strong computer skills, including virtual collaboration, document management, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to or willingness to learn emerging workplace technologies is highly desired.

How We Take Care of You

Build a stronger future for yourself, your family and the communities we serve. At Columbia Bank, meaningful work comes together with a collaborative and rewarding culture, opportunities to learn and grow, and a total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security and overall wellbeing. Benefits include healthcare choice, retirement savings with company support, employee ownership, wellness resources, education and student loan programs, paid time off and financial protection. Join a company where your contribution is valued, your growth is supported and your career can make a meaningful impact.

The hours that you will dedicate to work

• This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home, based on business needs. This arrangement may change without notice.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.