Chief Credit Officer (CCO)

Lead the Credit Engine. Shape the Future.

Every successful bank has a heartbeat. Every thriving loan portfolio has a guardian. Every strategic growth initiative requires a leader who understands that sound credit decisions are the foundation upon which institutions are built.

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Credit Officer (CCO) to join a growing and highly respected banking organization in the Los Angeles market. This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide credit strategy, strengthen portfolio performance, guide regulatory compliance, and partner directly with executive leadership to drive sustainable growth.

This is more than a credit administration role. It is a seat at the table where risk management, profitability, governance, and vision converge.

What You'll Do

As Chief Credit Officer, you will serve as the strategic leader of the bank's credit function, ensuring that credit quality remains strong while supporting thoughtful business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee the bank's overall credit risk management framework.
• Direct all aspects of commercial, industrial, commercial real estate, construction, SBA, and specialty lending credit functions.
• Provide executive oversight of underwriting standards, credit policies, loan review processes, and portfolio management strategies.
• Partner with the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on credit-related matters and strategic initiatives.
• Lead credit approval activities for large, complex, and high-profile lending relationships.
• Monitor portfolio performance, concentration risk, asset quality trends, and emerging market risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, banking laws, and internal policies.
• Present portfolio analyses, risk assessments, and recommendations to executive committees and the Board.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team of credit professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and sound judgement.
• Collaborate closely with lending teams to balance prudent risk management with business growth objectives.
• Oversee stress testing, allowance methodologies, and credit-related reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement in credit systems, workflows, and risk management practices.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive banking and credit leadership experience.
• Significant experience managing commercial credit portfolios within a community, regional, or middle-market banking environment.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial lending, CRE, C&I, construction lending, and credit administration.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations, risk management practices, and banking compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading large credit teams and developing future leaders.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding communication and executive presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree, MBA, or advanced financial credential.
• Experience serving as a senior credit executive within a growing financial institution.
• Familiarity with California banking markets and commercial lending environments.
• Strong regulatory examination and audit experience.

The Ideal Leader

You are equal parts strategist and steward. You can dissect a complex credit structure, evaluate risk with precision, and still keep your eyes on the broader business objectives. You understand that great credit leadership isn't about saying "no" more often. It's about helping the institution say "yes" intelligently.

You possess the credibility to influence executives, regulators, directors, and lenders alike while maintaining the discipline that protects the bank through every economic cycle.

Why This Opportunity?

• Executive-level influence and visibility
• Direct partnership with senior leadership and Board members
• Opportunity to shape enterprise credit strategy
• Strong organizational stability and growth trajectory
• Collaborative culture focused on excellence and accountability
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement offerings
• Long-term leadership opportunity within a premier banking organization

Compensation

If you're a seasoned credit executive ready to lead with vision, discipline, and impact, this is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on an institution's future while guiding the credit function at the highest level.