Director of Credit Underwriting

Description Of Bankwell

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring our clients high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve.

Summary Of Position

The Director of Credit Underwriting position is a senior leadership position in Bankwell and will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee daily operations, workflow, and other activities of the Credit Underwriting department, and ensure that there is a consistent application of the Bank’s Loan Policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall credit underwriting function to ensure timely and accurate analysis of loan opportunities.
• Responsible for monitoring loan maturities and coordinating with Private Client Group (PCG) management to ensure timely renewal analysis and minimize the number of administrative extensions.
• Responsible for appropriate identification and application of policies.
• Leads a team of 7 and is accountable for team management including but not limited to all staffing, training, and performance management of Credit Underwriting team.
• Establishes, implements, and monitors internal controls to minimize credit risk in collaboration with Director of Credit Risk Management, PCG and Small Business Administration (SBA) team management.
• Serves as a resource for structuring deals, identifying and approving Loan Policy exceptions prior to term sheet issuance and during underwriting, ensuring concentration limit compliance and regulatory compliance.
• Provides leadership and guidance on policies and procedures. Recommends changes/updates as appropriate.
• Participates in audit, regulatory examination and loan review preparation as necessary.
• Attends Directors Loan Committee regularly and interfaces with members as required.
• Collections documentation and prepares Directors Loan Committee packages and disseminates to members and invitees.
• Provides Board materials to Executive Administrator for inclusion in Board packages.
• Ad hoc projects as needed.

Requirements

• Qualifications & Skills:
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in commercial credit at a commercial bank, credit union, or other lending institution.
• Mandatory formal credit training either through participation in another bank’s training program or industry or higher education training program.
• Minimum of 7 years of direct team leadership experience.
• Ability to function effectively, efficiently, and independently in a fast-paced and rapidly expanding environment.
• Strong sense of integrity and personal ethics.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Adheres to all applicable Policies and Procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree required with a focus in either finance or accounting preferred, related Master’s degree program in finance or accounting or commensurate experience.
• Experience as a lender is a plus.
• Familiarity with Loan Operating System or Credit Underwriting Software such as Abrigo preferred.

Objectives

• Establish underwriting standards – develop, implement, and refine underwriting guidelines and credit procedures for complex commercial loan products.
• Exercise authority – independently approve, decline or recommend credit actions up to specified limits.
• Optimize workflow – manage and streamline the loan underwriting pipeline to ensure efficiency and meet turnaround time (SLA) requirements.
• Influence credit culture – model and reinforce the Bank’s credit culture and risk management approaches throughout the organization.
• Partner with the Private Client Group Managers and sales teams to achieve portfolio growth goals while ensuring prudent underwriting.
• Deal structuring – provide expertise in loan structuring, covenant negotiation and financial modeling for complex transactions.
• Regulatory Adherence – ensure all credit actions adhere to internal policies, procedures and regulatory requirements (exams, audit, loan review).
• Technology Advancement – drive adoption of AI, credit decision engines and analytics tools to enhance efficiency and risk accuracy.

KPIs

• Efficiency – average loan turnaround time.
• Policy compliance – number of audit findings or policy exceptions.

FLSA Status

Exempt