Location: San Diego & Los Angeles, CA
Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000
Industry: Commercial Banking / Lending

About Us:

We are a dynamic, forward-thinking financial institution rooted in integrity, service, and smart growth. Our footprint across California is growing—and so is our commitment to excellence. With a strong presence in both San Diego and Los Angeles, we serve an impressive portfolio of clients ranging from high-growth small businesses to established mid-market enterprises.

If you're seeking an opportunity where your expertise is not only valued but amplified, where collaboration is more than a buzzword, and where your underwriting acumen can directly shape the future of businesses and communities—we want to meet you.

Position Overview:

As First Vice President (FVP), Senior Underwriter, you are the sharp, strategic, and detail-obsessed brain behind our commercial credit engine. You'll be responsible for underwriting a diverse mix of C&I, CRE, and SBA loans while working hand-in-hand with Relationship Managers and Credit Administrators. You’ll lead with confidence, analyze with precision, and influence outcomes that make a lasting impact.

This is not just an underwriting role—this is a seat at the table. You will play a key role in credit policy development, credit quality improvement, and mentorship of junior team members. Your ability to assess risk, communicate clearly, and make informed decisions is critical to our continued growth and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze complex credit requests, including C&I, owner-occupied and investor CRE, construction loans, and SBA transactions (504 & 7a), often ranging $5MM–$30MM+.

• Partner with Relationship Managers to structure deals that are both competitive and prudent, balancing client needs with institutional risk tolerance.

• Lead comprehensive credit write-ups with deep narrative, sound judgment, and keen insight into borrower financials, industry risks, and market trends.

• Conduct site visits, borrower interviews, and due diligence reviews, providing real-time feedback to clients and internal teams.

• Ensure timely and accurate underwriting while maintaining compliance with internal policies, banking regulations, and credit risk appetite.

• Present credit memoranda to executive loan committees and contribute meaningfully to deliberations.

• Act as a senior resource and mentor to junior credit analysts and underwriters.

• Engage with leadership on credit process improvements, portfolio monitoring strategies, and overall credit culture elevation.

Who You Are:

• A seasoned commercial credit professional with 8–12+ years of underwriting experience, ideally within a regional or mid-sized bank.

• Expert in evaluating financial statements, cash flow models, tax returns, and complex deal structures.

• Deep knowledge of C&I lending, commercial real estate, and SBA loan programs.

• Familiar with Southern California’s economic and business landscape, especially within the San Diego and Los Angeles markets.

• Exceptional communicator—both in writing and speaking—with the ability to translate technical analysis into actionable insights.

• Decisive, detail-oriented, collaborative, and excited to work in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field; MBA or formal credit training preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary ($140K–$180K) + performance-based bonuses

• Hybrid work flexibility with travel between LA and San Diego as needed

• Direct exposure to executive leadership and credit committee

• Opportunity to shape credit policy and mentor rising talent

• Be part of a growing organization where your voice matters and your work directly influences strategic decisions

Apply today and bring your underwriting brilliance to a place where you’re not just approving loans—you’re driving growth, fueling dreams, and making an impact.