Executive Director, Credit Risk - Project Finance 2nd Line of Defense

The Difference You Make:

This is a senior leadership role within Santander’s U.S. Structured Finance Credit Risk organization (2nd Line of Defense), responsible for shaping and overseeing the firm’s Project Finance ("PF") and Renewable Energy Tax Equity risk agenda.

The Executive Director will act as a key decision‑maker and trusted advisor to senior management, providing independent credit judgment on complex, high‑profile transactions while influencing portfolio strategy, risk appetite, and underwriting standards across the platform. This position offers the opportunity to lead, build, and scale a critical risk function aligned to one of the most active sectors in the market—energy transition, infrastructure, and digital assets. The role carries significant credit approval authority and influence over transaction outcomes, with direct visibility to senior risk committees and executive leadership.

The role reports directly to the Head of Structured Finance Credit Risk in the U.S. and leads a high‑performing team of credit risk professionals, strengthening the PF risk platform, enhancing underwriting standards, and scaling capabilities in line with business growth.

Coverage Areas:

• Renewable Energy (Wind, Solar, Battery Storage)
• Renewable Energy Tax Equity (including Tax Equity structures)
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
• Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure
• Midstream and downstream infrastructure

Transaction Leadership & Independent Credit Decisioning

• Provide independent approval, oversight, and effective challenge on all U.S. PF and Tax Equity transactions, including new originations, amendments, renewals, and restructurings.
• Exercise sound credit judgment on complex structures, assessing financial models, contractual frameworks, and key risk mitigants.
• Ensure underwriting reflects robust downside analysis, stress scenarios, and disciplined credit standards.
• Influence transaction outcomes through active engagement with Front Office and Underwriting teams.

Portfolio Strategy & Risk Governance

• Shape and oversee the PF portfolio strategy, including sector focus, concentration management, and risk appetite calibration.
• Monitor portfolio performance, including risk migration, stress sensitivities, and emerging vulnerabilities.
• Ensure alignment of exposures across Banking Book frameworks with regulatory expectations.
• Escalate material risks and trends to senior management and governance forums with clarity and authority.

Credit Policy Leadership

• Drive the ongoing development and enhancement of PF credit policies, underwriting standards, and risk frameworks.
• Strengthen consistency and rigor across transactions, sectors, and business lines.
• Oversee control frameworks, including issue identification, remediation, and testing effectiveness.
• Support the evolution of the PF risk platform in line with business growth and market complexity.

Regulatory Engagement & Credibility

• Serve as a senior representative in regulatory examinations, internal audits, and supervisory interactions.
• Ensure exam readiness and timely remediation of findings and risk issues.
• Maintain clear, defensible documentation and governance practices aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Reinforce Santander’s reputation as a disciplined and credible PF lender.
• Produce and oversee clear, accurate, and decision‑useful risk reporting for senior management, risk committees, and regulators.

Leadership & Risk Culture

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering strong technical skills and risk judgment.
• Act as a subject matter expert on U.S. PF and Tax Equity risk.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Risk, Front Office, and executive leadership to support disciplined growth and strategic decision‑making.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and effective challenge.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of experience in Credit Risk, PF, Capital Markets, or Underwriting.
• Extensive experience in U.S. PF credit risk within a regulated financial institution.
• Proven track record in a 2nd Line of Defense or independent credit risk role.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at a senior level, influencing stakeholders and challenging effectively.
• Strong understanding of stress testing and capital considerations.
• Experience with capital markets execution, including securitization and public take‑outs.
• Track record of regulatory engagement, exam management, and issue remediation.
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and executive presence.

Certifications:

No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum: $205,000.00 USD

Maximum: $270,000.00 USD

Benefits

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well‑being, now and into the future.

Risk Culture

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander 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, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing, and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

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