Executive Director, CMBS Origination – Conduit & SASB

About the role

The Executive Director, CMBS Origination – Conduit & SASB plays a critical role in Santander's CMBS lending platform. This position combines strong individual production with leadership responsibilities to drive business performance, market presence, and growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute CMBS origination strategy with a primary focus on conduit transactions and select SASB opportunities.
• Source, structure, and originate commercial real estate loans across targeted property sectors and markets.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with borrowers, mortgage bankers, brokers, financial sponsors, and institutional real estate investors.
• Deliver consistent loan production and revenue generation while meeting profitability and portfolio objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by providing market insights, financing solutions, and execution guidance throughout the transaction process.
• Evaluate financing opportunities and collaborate with the CRE Transaction Management and Underwriting team to determine structure, proceeds, pricing, and transaction viability.
• Present opportunities to internal quote, investment, and credit committees.
• Negotiate transaction terms and manage client expectations from initial screening through closing.
• Maintain an active calling program and business development strategy to expand Santander's market presence and client base.
• Manage and forecast pipeline activity, production metrics, and closing expectations.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insights regarding commercial real estate fundamentals, lending conditions, and competitive market dynamics.
• Partner closely with Credit Risk, Legal, Middle Office, Operations, and senior management to ensure efficient transaction execution and successful loan closings.
• Represent Santander at industry conferences, client meetings, and networking events.
• Act as a player-coach by mentoring and developing junior members of the Origination team while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of commercial real estate finance experience with a focus on CMBS originations.
• Demonstrated track record originating conduit transactions, with exposure to SASB structures preferred.
• Proven history of significant annual production and revenue generation.
• Established network of commercial real estate borrowers, mortgage bankers, brokers, sponsors, and intermediaries.
• Strong understanding of CMBS lending structures, securitization markets, and commercial real estate fundamentals.
• Demonstrated leadership experience mentoring, coaching, and developing junior professionals.
• Proven ability to source, negotiate, structure, and close complex commercial real estate transactions.
• Strong business development, relationship management, and communication skills.
• Able to manage a large transaction pipeline while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive successful outcomes across internal and external constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading, building, or expanding an origination team, market coverage effort, or regional platform.
• Experience originating across multiple property sectors and geographic markets.
• Strong relationships with institutional sponsors and commercial real estate intermediaries.
• Established reputation within the commercial real estate finance industry for execution excellence and client service.