Credit Risk Officer

About the role

At Western State Bank, we’re all about connections. It’s who we are. From our customers to our team members, we make sure everyone has a place to belong and feels valued. At Western, strong credit decisions are the foundation of everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent credit reviews that strengthen portfolio quality and support sound lending practices.
• Prepare credit risk reports and portfolio analysis for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Lead the Mortgage Quality Control program, ensuring compliance with investor and regulatory expectations.
• Identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities to improve reporting, controls, and operational processes.
• Partner with lenders and business leaders to communicate findings, resolve issues, and support policy consistency.
• Recommend practical improvements that make our credit risk processes stronger and more efficient.
• Serve as a trusted resource and mentor to teammates and internal partners.

Requirements

• Experience in banking, credit administration, lending, loan review, risk management, or mortgage operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to interpret lending policies and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Professional judgment and the ability to manage confidential information.
• A collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in credit risk, credit review, lending, mortgage quality control, or a related banking discipline.
• Experience preparing reports for senior leadership or Boards of Directors.
• Community banking experience is a plus.

Pay

Competitive base salary.

Schedule

Full-time.

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k) with company contributions, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, employee wellness and assistance programs, professional development opportunities, banking and financial wellness benefits.

Why Western?

We believe every team member has the opportunity to make an impact, and we invest in the growth and development of our people. When you join Western, you'll become part of a team that values: Meaningful work that influences business decisions, Collaboration across departments, Professional development and career growth, Innovation and process improvement, Work-life balance, Serving our customers and communities with excellence.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings: Experience in banking, credit administration, lending, loan review, risk management, or mortgage operations, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, The ability to interpret lending policies and communicate recommendations clearly, Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, Professional judgment and the ability to manage confidential information, A collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step in your banking career and help shape the future of credit risk at Western, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team committed to making better decisions, building stronger relationships, and creating lasting success together.