Senior Portfolio Manager - Public Finance

About the role

The Public Finance Portfolio Manager with PlainsCapital Bank is responsible for independently underwriting and managing a complex portfolio of public finance relationships, including governmental, institutional, and non‑profit entities. This role serves as a strategic partner to the relationship team and senior leadership, contributing to the development and execution of credit strategies that support the Bank’s growth and risk‑management objectives. In addition to managing credit exposure, the Senior Portfolio Manager plays a key role in client engagement, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver comprehensive financial solutions, identify opportunities for deposit growth, treasury services, and other Bank products that enhance client value and deepen relationships.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a portfolio of complex public finance relationships, gathering, analyzing, and testing financial data for loan monitoring.
• Underwrite annual reviews and renewals, perform covenant testing verifications, manage reporting and documentation exceptions, and ensure accurate risk ratings.
• Serve as liaison within the public finance division to prioritize new business activities while adhering to Bank policies.
• Review credit approval presentations of junior Portfolio Managers and Credit Analysts, ensuring data accuracy, risk identification, mitigation, and appropriate governance.
• Partner with Relationship Managers and Credit Officers to structure sophisticated transactions that balance client needs with the Bank’s risk appetite.
• Advise on transaction pricing strategies to optimize risk‑adjusted returns and support overall portfolio profitability.
• Author and review complex credit memos, analyzing issuer/borrower financials, credit enhancements, transaction structure, risk mitigants, and strategic recommendations.
• Support Relationship Managers in guiding credit requests through the approval process, including presentations to Senior Credit Officers and Loan Committees.
• Manage loan modifications and renewals, securing appropriate approvals and documentation in a timely manner.
• Identify emerging credit risks within the portfolio and recommend strategic interventions to preserve asset quality and minimize loss exposure.
• Engage in client interactions, participating in relationship development, client meetings, and deal negotiations alongside Relationship Managers.
• Build relationships with municipal advisors, underwriters, placement/solicitation agents, and bond counsel.
• Maintain working knowledge of Bank products, services, and departments; consult with Relationship Managers on cross‑sell opportunities.
• Actively participate in and complete all assigned training and development sessions/initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business‑related field (strong preference for Finance or Accounting); MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in portfolio or relationship management serving governmental, institutional, and non‑profit entities.
• Completion of formal commercial credit training or a similar program strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of fund accounting principles and analysis.
• Rating agency experience preferred (S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch).
• Deep understanding of municipal bond market structures and trends.
• Ability to coach and mentor junior staff.
• Demonstrated comprehension of applying financial theory to borrower/issuer creditworthiness and solid understanding of municipal finance private‑placement loan structures.
• Proven ability to lead client relationship development and portfolio growth strategies.
• Willingness to travel as needed to develop and maintain customer and prospect relationships.
• Flexibility to work after Bank operating hours and/or on weekends.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and custom banking applications/systems.
• Strong analytical, time‑management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; ability to multitask in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Self‑motivated with strong initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to interface effectively and professionally with senior/executive‑level management.

About PlainsCapital Bank

PlainsCapital Bank was founded in 1988 by a group of young bankers who dreamed of bringing relationship banking to their hometown of Lubbock, Texas. After acquiring Plains National Bank—a Lubbock institution with one branch and approximately $198.8 million in assets—the bank began growing one relationship at a time. Over 30 years later, PlainsCapital Bank maintains a relationship‑based culture and a commitment to financial strength and stability. The bank ranks sixth among the largest Texas‑headquartered banks by deposits and operates statewide with roughly 55 locations in markets such as Austin, the Coastal Bend, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio. Backed by decades of experience, its bankers are known for a straightforward approach and exceptional client care, offering both commercial and consumer banking services, a full suite of commercial products, and personalized service to help customers achieve their financial goals. Learn more.