Commercial Real Estate Underwriter

About the Role

The Commercial Real Estate Underwriter serves as a critical control within the Bank’s credit risk management framework and is responsible for the independent risk assessment of commercial real estate loan requests. This role focuses on CRE lending and does not include C&I underwriting. The Underwriter provides objective evaluation of borrower, guarantor, collateral, and property-level repayment capacity; prepares comprehensive credit memoranda; identifies risk factors and exceptions to credit policy; and provides well-supported recommendations on credit decisions.

Candidates with more advanced CRE underwriting experience may be considered at the Senior Commercial Real Estate Underwriter level. At the senior level, the role would be expected to work with greater independence, underwrite more complex CRE transactions, provide stronger credit structuring recommendations, and serve as a resource to less experienced credit staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare objective underwriting analysis for commercial loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications
• Exercise independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral
• Identify transaction risks and propose mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite
• Actively participate in the deal team, collaborating with Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Regional Credit Officers, and other credit partners
• Prepare clear, complete, and decision-ready credit memoranda that support approval, renewal, modification, or decline recommendations
• Participate in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, required or MBA, preferred from a college or university

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of commercial loan structures, underwriting principles, credit policy and procedures, accounting principles, and regulatory expectations
• Ability to apply sound underwriting judgment using financial analysis, credit policy interpretation, and product knowledge, including SBA lending concepts, to appropriately identify and mitigate risk
• Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex credit scenarios, identify risks, and recommend appropriate mitigants
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal partners to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document credit decisions and communicate recommendations to stakeholders
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, with consistent attention to detail and accountability for results
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion; demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and self-motivation; and maintains a team-oriented approach while managing multiple competing priorities

Pay

A reasonable estimate of the current pay range is $96,000 - $125,000, annually. The range for this role takes into account many factors that First Bank considers when making hiring decisions, including but not limited to prior experience, skill set, training, and other internal business and organizational factors. First Bank generally does not hire at or near the top of the stated range. The range is driven by the geographic location of the anticipated hiring location; however, the specific range may vary depending on the geographic location for remote positions.

Schedule

First Bank embraces a hybrid work environment which allows employees to work at least three full days in the office, with more or all in-office days expected of client-facing teams and the groups that support them in the business.