Commercial Real Estate Underwriter

Newport Beach, California, United States About this Role The Commercial Real Estate Underwriter serves as a critical control within the Bank’s credit risk management framework and is responsible for the independent risk assessment of commercial real estate loan requests. This role focuses on CRE lending and does not include C&I underwriting. The Underwriter provides objective evaluation of borrower, guarantor, collateral, and property-level repayment capacity; prepares comprehensive credit memoranda; identifies risk factors and exceptions to credit policy; and provides well-supported recommendations on credit decisions. Candidates with more advanced CRE underwriting experience may be considered at the Senior Commercial Real Estate Underwriter level. At the senior level, the role would be expected to work with greater independence, underwrite more complex CRE transactions, provide stronger credit structuring recommendations, and serve as a resource to less experienced credit staff. In this Role You Will Prepare objective underwriting analysis for commercial loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications Exercise independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral Identify transaction risks and propose mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite Actively participate in the deal team, collaborating with Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Regional Credit Officers, and other credit partners Prepare clear, complete, and decision-ready credit memoranda that support approval, renewal, modification, or decline recommendations Participate in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor's degree, required or MBA, preferred from a college or university Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of commercial loan structures, underwriting principles, credit policy and procedures, accounting principles, and regulatory expectations Ability to apply sound underwriting judgment using financial analysis, credit policy interpretation, and product knowledge, including SBA lending concepts, to appropriately identify and mitigate risk Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex credit scenarios, identify risks, and recommend appropriate mitigants Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal partners to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document credit decisions and communicate recommendations to stakeholders Demonstrates strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, with consistent attention to detail and accountability for results Exhibits sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion; demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and self-motivation; and maintains a team-oriented approach while managing multiple competing priorities Compensation Disclosure The range for this role takes into account many factors that First Bank considers when making hiring decisions, including but not limited to prior experience, skill set, training, and other internal business and organizational factors. First Bank generally does not hire at or near the top of the stated range. The range is driven by the geographic location of the anticipated hiring location; however, the specific range may vary depending on the geographic location for remote positions. Compensation decisions depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each hiring instance. A reasonable estimate of the current pay range is $96,000 - $125,000, annually About Us Be a part of a growing company that is truly committed to its employees and clients. Consider joining the First Bank family. As a member of our family, you are part of one of the largest independent banks in the U.S. We are proud of our growth and success over the past 100 years and look forward to a bright and promising future. Diversity At First Bank one of our biggest strengths is the diversity of our people. Our mission is to capitalize on the diversity of our associates and promote personal and professional development throughout every area of the organization. We encourage diversity by actively seeking employees from various backgrounds, walks of life, and job skills. We strongly encourage you to apply whenever a First Bank job opportunity interests you. First Bank is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. Attn: Applicants interested in a San Francisco based position: First Bank will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. At First Bank, we embrace a hybrid work environment which allows employees to at least three full days in the office with more or all in-office days expected of our client facing teams and the groups that support them in the business. Hybrid undefined #J-18808-Ljbffr First Bank-MO