SVP, Asset Management - Sponsor Loans

About the role

Oversee a portfolio of structured loans and lines of credit to select real estate owners and developers. Responsibilities include underwriting and structuring new loan opportunities as well as ongoing asset management of the portfolio. This position focuses on both internal and external stakeholders, may cross platforms and departments, and includes managerial oversight of a small team.

Success in this role involves leading, managing, and developing the team, proactively monitoring and managing portfolio risks, effectively communicating with stakeholders, and enhancing existing policies, procedures, and tools.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new loan opportunities.
• Manage borrower relationships on a portfolio of secured and unsecured loans for acquisition, pre-development, and working capital needs.
• Work with asset managers and analysts to set up and maintain detailed loan files for tracking funding requirements, disbursements, and repayments.
• Monitor sufficiency of collateral structures, including pledges of ownership, cash flow, developer fees, and business assets.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of quarterly financial analysis, loan grading, and covenant testing.
• Conduct credit analysis for loan extensions and modifications, analyzing historical and projected usage, repayment projections, and collateral adequacy; articulate risks and mitigants.
• Participate in Loan Review Memo presentation calls for new deals to clarify asset management expectations post-closing.
• Evaluate the sufficiency of risk rating methodology to ensure grading metrics are appropriate across lending structures.
• Serve as a key point person for team growth, influencing development of team infrastructure, technology platforms, policies, procedures, and staffing plans.
• Escalate deal issues through monthly Escalation Meetings and present to Credit Committee and executive management.
• Assist in determining best practices for a growing product offering and provide feedback on resource and technology needs.
• Collaborate with other departments (underwriting, originations, legal, closing) to provide timely feedback on deal-specific and common issues.
• Lead special projects as requested.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience structuring, underwriting, or managing secured and unsecured structured loans, including real estate mortgages.
• Prior asset management and underwriting experience required.
• Organized, detail-oriented approach balanced with a personable demeanor to deliver high-quality customer experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a self-start mentality; ability to respond well to work pressure and urgent deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to actively listen and respond appropriately.
• Encourages strategic, creative thinking with experience interpreting data and analysis to support innovative risk management applications.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, real estate, or a related field.

Pay

The total compensation pay range for new hires in New York, NY is $295,000 - $400,000 annually. This range includes base pay plus an annual discretionary bonus. The amount of any actual bonus may vary and is subject to individual and company performance.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contributions.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Various types of leaves of absence, including paid time off, paid holidays, and short-term/long-term disability.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), dependent care, and commuter reimbursement accounts.
• Employee and dependent life insurance; supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
• Telehealth, optional ancillary insurance policies, education assistance, and an employee assistance program.

About Merchants Capital

With over 30 years of success built on putting people first, Merchants Capital is a proven leader in financing for multifamily housing nationwide. Licensed with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD/FHA, as well as offering bank balance sheet products, Merchants Capital provides custom solutions with agility and ease of execution, expanding access to housing in meaningful ways. Recognized as a top five affordable lender, Merchants Capital pairs comprehensive debt offerings with in-house tax credit equity to offer a one-stop-shop for developers and owners.