Portfolio Manager

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Portfolio Manager.

Purpose of the Position

About the Role of Portfolio Manager– Commercial Banking Group

A regional Bank is a fast growing, dynamic organization which results in continued changes to our processes and methods of operation. It is essential that applicants for this role be able to apply their commercial lending knowledge and skills to underwrite and, in time, structure and negotiate complex credit facilities. A high degree of independence, self-motivation, and initiative are required for the role which will entail regular interaction with the bank’s most valuable clients and senior management. In addition, the role requires presentations to the Loan Committee and interaction with the Banks executive leadership team.

Compensation consists of a base salary and a discretionary annual bonus based on performance.

Basic Function:

The role reports to the Senior Managing Director, Commercial Banking Group or their designee and will directly or indirectly serve as the primary point of contact for loan facility structuring, underwriting, closing and ongoing portfolio management for new and existing clients. The role will also encompass early-stage discussions with perspective new clients, sourced by our business development team, and with the help of the Sales Team, sell the perspective client on moving forward with the Bank’s proposal. There are no new business development responsibilities. However, the Junior Lender is expected to identify any ancillary banking needs and provide appropriate direction internally. The role requires customer contact, including, in time, structuring and negotiating terms, conditions, and pricing. Our target market is comprised of the nation’s top and demanding law firms handling personal injury cases and Mass Tort and Class Action cases such as Roundup, Opioids and Talc. The bank lends into these relationships to support the firm’s working capital needs, marketing, acquisitions needs with the source of repayment being the attorney fees received from the settlement of these litigations. This position is to continue supporting the Bank’s rapid growth as part of the team that handles the larger and more complicated segment of our business.

The successful candidate in this role will be able to execute the underwriting of new loan requests across a broad spectrum of borrowers. This may entail developing custom financial models in Excel, consolidating financial results among multiple entities, engaging with the client to negotiate deal terms and structure, preparing term sheets, interfacing with the originating Business Development Officer with regards to the opportunity status, concerns, and or ultimate loan decision. The role will also include, with support from more senior members of the team, reviewing/negotiating loan documentations such as loan agreements, notes, guaranties, intercreditor agreements, and participation agreements.

Some travel will be necessary as our client base is national, but it should be less than 20% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities:

• Underwriting loan requests
• Timely gathering of required file information from clients
• Conduct full scope financial analysis in support of new and ongoing credit exposure, including income statement, balance sheet, and personal financial statement analysis, and pulling and reviewing credit reports, liens, judgments, bankruptcy and criminal background information.
• Prepare and present for approval annual reviews and requests for increased credit, modified terms, and facilities for new and existing borrowers.
• Communicate with borrowers to discuss their financial situation, address concerns, and obtain additional requirements.
• Work with more senior members of the team to negotiate facility terms and support the loan closing and documentation process.
• Create and maintain well organized files in an audit ready state.
• Identify and escalate issues related to credit concerns or client retention.
• Perform other duties and special projects as they may be assigned.

The Candidate

Skills and Competencies

Key Skills Required:

• Borrowing base and other commercial lending underwriting experience
• Intermediate to advanced skill set in Excel and other Microsoft Office products
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Ability to develop trusted relationships with the Bank’s client base
• High energy with intellectual curiosity
• Dedicated work ethic and self-starter
• Work well under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Process oriented when approaching key job responsibilities

Background & Experience:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree (Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business etc.)
• Experience, spanning underwriting of complex commercial loans
• Demonstrated history of strong communication with clients
• Knowledge of Asset Based Lending (ABL) and related covenants
• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage portfolio workflow
• Ensure that all activities are performed in compliance with the bank’s policies and federal, state, and other regulatory requirements
• Formal credit training is preferred