Credit Products Officer III - National Franchise Banking

About the Role: The Credit Products Officer (CPO) is responsible for underwriting, structuring, and managing credit relationships within the restaurant and franchise portfolio. Managing new and renewal credit requests and mitigating credit risk for a large and complex portfolio of commercial relationships. Typical transactions include multi-unit franchisor, independently branded, and franchisee operators (sponsor-backed and owner-operator) utilizing working capital / development lines of credit, cash flow term loans, equipment financing, and commercial real estate loans (owner-occupied) supporting franchise operations. The role performs advanced financial, industry, and sponsor/management analysis; designs and recommends credit structures and covenants; prepares decision-ready credit memoranda; review and negotiation of legal documentation; assigns/defends risk ratings; executes ongoing monitoring (annual reviews, covenant compliance, early warning indicators, criticized/problem credit support) in partnership with Client Solutions Managers (CSMs) and Relationship Managers; and trains/mentors junior Credit Products Officers. Analyze business, industry, financial data and other supporting credit information concerning an applicant’s credit request; identifies key business and financial risks that may impact the repayment prospects by the borrower; derives conclusions supporting the credit recommendation based on documented facts and/or sound judgement. Makes recommendations on loan structure & terms and refers these issues to the next appropriate level of authority. May include evaluation of enterprise-level and unit-level performance drivers (store sales trends, margins, labor and food cost sensitivity, operating leverage, and multi-unit execution risk). Additionally, may include evaluation of franchise and lease agreements for key risk factors. Prepare timely, concise and accurate credit recommendations, and deliver tailored financing solutions with limited supervision or revision. Includes: (1) quantitative components within the underwriting narrative documenting the credit analysis; (2) accurate use of risk rating scoring models (aka Dual Risk Rating), both quantitative and qualitative rating elements, to ensure customers and loans are properly risk-rated; (3) accurate identification and mitigation of all exceptions to Bank tracked policies exceptions (TPE), tracked guidelines exceptions (TGE), procedures and compliance regulations; and (4) accurate loan coding consistent with nature of the borrowing relationship and terms of the credit(s). Perform franchise‑specific diligence, including assessment of franchisor/brand strength, unit economics, and contractual obligations that affect cash flow. Performs review and negotiation of loan agreements, guaranty structures, collateral packages, and covenants. Works directly with outside counsel to ensure documentation aligns with underwriting intent, policy, and regulatory expectations. Monitor borrower financial performance in line with commercial and/or real estate loan documents; spreads financial statement and/or ensures required financial statements are spread in accordance with Bank Guidelines and resulting covenant calculations are accurate, complete and adhere to approval conditions and loan documentation. Ensures borrower notifications are sent and approvals are obtained to resolve any violations in a timely manner. Partners with Client Solutions Managers and Relationship Managers to offer insights into customer financial needs, including relationship expansion opportunities identified using Line of Business‑approved relationship expansion tools (i.e. ancillary products). May also offer recommendations related to a loan structure’s effectiveness to mitigate risks, appropriate to prevailing competitive market environment and Bank risk tolerances. Partners with Relationship Managers in customer and prospect in‑person meetings and calls as appropriate and develops client relationships to act as a secondary point of contact for the client. Responsible for participating in the development and retention of customer relationships as well as fully managing complex customer relationships from a credit perspective. May oversee the work of junior Credit Product Officers, manage multiple client opportunities simultaneously, including the timely review of credit reports to ensure a high level of report quality prior to submission for approval. Provides real‑time coaching on structure, risk identification, and documentation. Mentor/coach/train and/or direct the work of others. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on‑the‑job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job‑specific training. Maintains a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”. May perform other duties as assigned. Location: Could be considered: Nation Wide (USA) About You Education Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent work experience (Required) Master’s Degree In Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting (Preferred) Experience More than 10: Commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience. Strong preference for franchise finance and/or specialty lending experience; franchise underwriting and portfolio management. Experience analyzing multi‑unit operators, projection modeling, management capability, and unit‑level performance. (Required) Skills Expert analytical and problem‑solving skills. Expert knowledge of credit policies, procedures, practices and documentation. Expert credit and credit quality skills including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow analysis experience; ability to train and present to small and large audiences. Demonstrated time management skills, reflecting the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while delivering work product on time. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills. Ability to communicate effectively with small and large audiences; often includes actively participating in presentations to customers at a high level (i.e. CFO, CEO, and other Executive levels). Ability to interact effectively and professionally with executive levels. Interactions may include controversial situations, customer negotiations, or influencing and persuading. Proven ability to forge relationships with the client’s finance and accounting staff to create effective, consistent communication and client retention. Proven ability to work effectively with individuals and groups to manage internal and external customer relationships. Proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other business machines. Travel Requirements Occasional The pay range for this role is $117,000.00 to $200,000.00 The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non‑discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance‑based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process. Primary Location Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 2155 W Pinnacle Peak Rd Phoenix AZ 85027 Our Benefits We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly. Our Commitment to Diversity Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: View email address on click.appcast.io. To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team. At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship‑based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive. Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means: Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities. Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies. Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other. Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do. Why work for Columbia Bank? A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives. #J-18808-Ljbffr Columbia Bank