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Director of Credit Management

Northwest Bank, Buffalo, NY, United States


NY0705 NY Region Business Office

Job Description

The Director of Credit Manager (DCM) manages a team of Underwriters and Portfolio Managers to ensure high quality, timely and consistent analysis in support of the Commercial, Commercial Real Estate, Equipment Finance, Sponsor Finance, Corporate Finance, SBA and other Northwest verticals. Recommends new business opportunities including appropriate loan structure and assessment of credit risk aligned with risk appetite and strategic goals. Oversees portfolio of existing relationships, including annual reviews, renewals, modifications with timely identification and escalation of credit issues. Ensures adherence to all applicable bank policies and regulations. Responsibilities may be allocated by region and/or credit products supported.

Essential Functions

Manage a team of Underwriters and Portfolio Managers working closely with business line partners to efficiently and strategically grow and manage commercial loan portfolio

Ensure high quality, timely and consistent analysis in support of the Company for new business opportunities, and annual reviews and modifications of existing loan relationships, consistent with bank policy and process requirements. Responsibilities may be allocated by region and/or credit products supported

Management of the production pipeline, past due annual reviews, workflow and staff workload distribution

Coordinate with Portfolio Managers and Lenders to obtain required financial and other information necessary for initial underwriting and on-going credit monitoring

Ensure sustained satisfactory reviews by regulators, internal auditors, external auditors, and loan review for depth of underwriting, appropriateness of structure, identification of Policy Exceptions, stress tested analysis of credits underwritten, and timeliness of annual review completion

Ensure timely recognition of potential credit quality issues identified through underwriting and prompt communication

Efficiently determine the credit worthiness of new loan requests

Oversee the preparation of Credit Memos and Modifications, providing guidance as necessary

Ensure accurate and timely Risk Ratings for all loans under review

Determine the appropriate level of credit underwriting and due diligence to appropriately characterize the risk profile of each credit

Identify credit strengths, weaknesses, and mitigating factors

Ensure loan covenants are meaningful and appropriate for the level of credit risk

Meet or exceed established service level expectations

Maintain a working knowledge of macro-economic issues affecting regions across the bank footprint

Work with commercial lending to establish and maintain service level expectations for all credit underwriting functions

Direct supervision, establishment of performance expectations, and mentoring of Commercial Credit Managers, members of Portfolio Management, and credit analysts

Establish development plans for more experienced analysts and Commercial Credit Managers, including educational and certification opportunities that enhance their skills and benefit the bank

Develop, from system data, performance metrics for production inclusive of credit memos (new business, annual reviews), modifications, and spreads

Responsible for all compliance related matters associated with underwriting

Ensure loan policy exceptions, annual reviews and loan maturity extensions/renewals are tracked, reported, and acted upon to minimize delinquencies

Additional Responsibilities

Ensure that loan requests are accurately presented prior to submission to appropriate approval authority.

Ensure complete data integrity in origination and annual review process.

Monitor, develop, and suggest revisions to workflows and procedures as necessary to enhance efficiency and minimize expenses

Identify potential for credit losses and mitigating risk accordingly including transfer of individual credits to Special Assets

Recommend improvements Credit Administration to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of credit processes, nCino system utilization, and credit policy.

Complete other projects as assigned

Preferred Education and Work Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related field

8-12 years in an area related to commercial credit including credit administration, underwriting, loan review, special assets and /or commercial lending specifically related to commercial, CRE, Corporate, Sponsor, SBA products.

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

A t Northwest, we’re here for what's next. Whether we're finding opportunities for families, businesses and communities or opening doors for our team, we share a passion for helping the people around us succeed. And we know that in order to provide the highest level of care, we need to understand unique experiences and perspectives. That's why, whether you're interested in a corporate role or something customer-facing, your talent and voice matter. Here, you belong. Working at Northwest, you'll find that we recognize our employees for the important work they do through competitive compensation and benefits, professional development opportunities and by regularly celebrating wins along the way. So, take a look at the opportunities here. And join us as we move into the future making a difference for the people we serve.