Senior Lead Credit Risk & Approval Officer | Independent Risk Management

Credit Risk Professional

The Independent Risk Management Team - Credit Risk provides independent oversight and approval of commercial credit exposure across Wells Fargo. This role supports the Asset Based Lending (ABL) portfolio within Commercial Banking and is responsible for ensuring prudent risk management, sound underwriting, and effective portfolio oversight. The team partners closely with the Line of Business to deliver balanced credit decisions while supporting clients throughout the credit lifecycle. The portfolio consists of complex middle market and large corporate borrowers utilizing asset-based financing structures across a variety of industries.

Wells Fargo is seeking a seasoned credit risk professional to provide strategic oversight and guidance for highly complex lending portfolios and transactions. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, helping drive sound credit decisions, manage portfolio risk, and resolve complex lending challenges. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in asset-based lending, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a large, matrixed organization.

In this role, you will exercise independent credit judgment and approval authority for asset based lending transactions within established risk appetite and delegated authority limits. Provide strategic oversight, support, and guidance in monitoring highly complex loan portfolios and addressing sophisticated business and technical challenges. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for complex credit situations requiring advanced analytical skills, sound judgment, and creative problem-solving. Lead the approval discussions and resolution of complex asset based lending transactions, including challenged credit situations. Establish and maintain credit risk parameters and controls based on exposure levels, collateral values, borrowing base availability, advance rates, concentrations, and portfolio characteristics. Partner with senior leaders to design and implement large-scale, cross-functional, and enterprise-wide risk management strategies. Collaborate across business lines and Corporate Risk to drive consistency, transparency, and effective risk-based decision-making. Serve as a trusted advisor by providing strategic recommendations, credit expertise, and resolution strategies for complex borrower situations. Foster strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, customers, and external advisors to support sound risk management and business objectives. Mentor and influence credit professionals while reinforcing a strong and consistent risk culture across the organization.

Required qualifications include 7+ years of credit risk & approval experience, commercial underwriting experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education. Desired qualifications include 7+ years of experience underwriting and/or making credit decisions on complex commercial lending transactions, including asset-based lending facilities and borrowing-base collateral structures. Extensive knowledge of borrowing base methodologies, collateral monitoring, field examinations, appraisals, and liquidity analysis. Experience approving and managing exposure secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and other collateral-based lending structures. Experience managing challenged credits, including restructurings, workouts, bankruptcy-related situations, and distressed borrower scenarios. Strong knowledge of asset-based lending and non-loan credit products, including derivatives, swaps, letters of credit, and treasury management products. Knowledge of syndicated lending structures, intercreditor arrangements, and multi-bank credit facilities. Prior credit officer experience and delegated approval authority strongly preferred. Proven ability to drive process improvements, manage competing priorities, and deliver strong business and risk outcomes. Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and making sound independent credit decisions within a large, matrixed organization. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to effectively challenge and influence business partners while maintaining a solutions-oriented approach. Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor junior credit professionals.

Work locations include 10 S Wacker Dr Chicago, Illinois 60606; 125 High St Boston, Massachusetts 02110; 100 N 18th St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103; 401 S Tryon St Charlotte, North Carolina 28282; 401 W Las Colinas Blvd Irving, Texas 75039; 600 S 4th St Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415; 1150 W Washington St Tempe, Arizona 85288; 800 S Jordan Creek Pkwy West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Required location listed above. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.

Pay range reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates. Salary is just one component of Wells Fargo's total rewards package. Depending on the role, a Wells Fargo's employee may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as sales incentives, discretionary bonuses, and/or equity in the company in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs). $215,000.00 - $355,000.00.

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees. Health benefits 401(k) Plan Paid time off Disability benefits Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance Parental leave Critical caregiving leave Discounts and savings Commuter benefits Tuition reimbursement Scholarships for dependent children Adoption reimbursement Posting end date: 23 Aug 2026 *Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We value equal opportunity. Wells Fargo 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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.