CIB, Associate, Structured Finance - Project Finance Underwriting & Portfolio Management (First[...]

It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You! The Difference You Make: The CIB, Associate role sits within Santander Corporate & Investment Banking and functions as a front-office, First Line of Defense credit role supporting the underwriting, structuring, and active management of infrastructure and real assets credit exposures, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, energy transition, and infrastructure (including digital infrastructure). The role operates as a credit function within the business, partnering closely with origination and product teams and maintaining direct accountability for asset-level underwriting, credit quality, documentation, and execution. The Associate leads transactions across the full investment lifecycle, from underwriting through active asset-level portfolio management, applying rigorous credit judgment and engaging credibly with the 2nd Line of Defense. This position is designed for a highly motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, client-facing investment banking environment and demonstrates strong judgment, ownership, and commitment to Santander’s risk culture. Underwriting Support underwriting and structuring of new infrastructure and real assets transactions, including new originations, refinancings, extensions, upsizes, amendments. Act as the First Line of Defense credit owner, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of credit analysis, due diligence, and supporting documentation. Develop clear, concise, and judgment-driven credit recommendations that articulate key risks, mitigants, and structural protections in line with Santander credit standards. Support the senior underwriter to defend credit recommendations and actively drive and accelerate approvals with the 2nd Line of Defense. Portfolio Management Participate in and, as appropriate, lead client interactions, demonstrating command of asset performance, financing structure, and client requests. When acting in an Administrative Agent role, take a leadership position in coordinating the lender group building consensus. Develop and maintain complex financial models, incorporating debt, tax equity, and equity structures, with a focus on operating cash flows. Own post-close portfolio management end-to-end, with direct accountability for asset performance monitoring, covenant compliance, proactive risk identification, and delivery against client and transaction timelines. Own consent, waiver, and amendment processes, leveraging asset-level analysis to prepare credit write-ups and recommendations, structure and negotiate outcomes with sponsors and counterparties. Synthesize portfolio performance, trends, and emerging risks into clear, concise written materials and presentations for senior management. Represent the business in interactions with auditors and regulators, demonstrating command of underlying credit decisions, asset fundamentals, and Santander’s risk framework. Respond to ad-hoc requests from Senior Management, often covering implications of law changes and shifts in government policy. Perform annual credit reviews of assigned exposures, reassessing performance, risk profile, and adherence to original underwriting. Strong ability to synthesize complex asset-level and cash flow analysis into clear, credit narratives. Leadership & Development Provide guidance, review, and mentorship to Analysts, setting expectations for analytical rigor, writing quality, and execution discipline. Contribute to continuous improvement of underwriting, portfolio management, and credit processes. What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Applied Sciences, or a related quantitative or analytical field. Advanced coursework or demonstrated academic focus in infrastructure, energy systems, engineering, or real assets viewed positively. 3–6 years of experience in infrastructure or project finance, real assets credit, leveraged finance, structured finance, or related investment or credit roles. Experience with infrastructure, energy, renewables, or other real assets strongly preferred. Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills with a solid foundation in financial modeling. Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging with sponsors, clients, senior bankers, and independent risk partners. Highly motivated self-starter with the resilience to perform in a demanding, high-expectation environment. Certifications: Registration for FINRA SIE must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted. Registration for FINRA Series 79 must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted. Registration for FINRA Series 63 must be completed within 90 days of hire date if it is not available for transfer upon hire. FINRA recognized equivalents will be accepted. This position is subject to FINRA Background Screening Requirements, including successful completion and clearing of a background check. Internal transfers are subject to comply with 17 CFR 240.17f-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and FINRA Bylaws, Article III, Section 3, which states that Associated Persons should not be subject to statutory disqualification. Successful candidates must also meet ongoing regulatory requirements including additional screening and are required to report certain incidents. It Would Be Nice For You To Have: Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education. Experience in Microsoft Office products. What Else You Need To Know: The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location. Base Pay Range: Minimum: $145,000.00 USD Maximum: $175,000.00 USD We Value Your Impact: Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Risk Culture: We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management. EEO Statement: At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Working Conditions: Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required. Employer Rights: This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason. #J-18808-Ljbffr Santander Consumer USA Inc.