GENERAL FUNCTION: • This position is responsible for evaluating, underwriting, and recommending approval or denial of commercial real estate loan applications. • Involves in-depth credit analysis, risk assessment, and structuring of loans for properties such as multifamily, office, retail, industrial, and construction projects. • Ensure compliance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and sound lending practices while supporting the bank's portfolio growth and risk management objectives. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Conduct thorough underwriting of CRE loan requests, including analysis of borrower financial statements, tax returns, personal financial statements, credit reports, and guarantor strength. • Evaluate property-level risks through review of appraisals, environmental reports, title searches, market analyses, and third-party due diligence reports. • Perform cash flow analysis (e.g., Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Loan-to-Value), stress testing, and sensitivity analysis to assess repayment capacity and collateral adequacy. • Prepare detailed credit memoranda/write-ups summarizing findings, risks, mitigants, and recommendations for loan approval, structuring, covenants, and pricing. • Recommend loan approvals, denials, or modifications within delegated authority; assist in presentation of complex deals to Director's Loan Committee. • Monitor existing CRE portfolio for compliance with covenants, early warning signs, and risk rating accuracy; conduct annual reviews and renewals. • Collaborate with relationship managers and originators to structure deals that meet borrower needs while adhering to risk parameters. • Ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines (e.g., Basel, FDIC, interagency CRE guidance) and internal credit policies. • Assist in portfolio management, including problem loan identification and workout strategies when necessary. • Stay current on CRE market trends, property types, economic conditions, and industry risks. JOB QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA, or Credit Risk Certification) preferred. • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in commercial real estate credit underwriting, analysis, or lending within a bank, credit union, or financial institution. • Proven track record in underwriting various CRE asset classes (multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction/development loans). • Strong knowledge of CRE lending regulations, risk rating systems, and financial modeling. REQUIRED SKILLS • Advanced financial analysis skills, including spreading financials, ratio calculations, and cash flow projections (proficiency in Excel required). • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing credit reports and presenting to committees. • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities with attention to detail. • Ability to manage multiple deals in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines. • Proficiency in credit software, underwriting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. • High ethical standards and commitment to compliance.