Relationship Manager 1

Job Overview

The Relationship Manager 1 – Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is a lender-focused role responsible for supporting the growth and ongoing management of CRE lending relationships through proactive business development, underwriting support, loan structuring coordination, and disciplined portfolio management. This position works with the Regional Relationship Manager (RRM) to develop, maintain, and expand existing client relationships and to originate new CRE relationships through referrals, centers of influence (COIs), and targeted prospecting. The role does not include lending approval authority for unsecured or secured loans, consistent with policy and delegated authority.
The Relationship Manager 1 supports end-to-end relationship coverage, including prospecting, client interviews and character assessment, financial analysis, underwriting support, credit positioning, transaction structuring, documentation coordination, closing support, and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
The role requires knowledge of key CRE credit metrics (e.g., DSCR, LTV, Debt Yield, guarantor analysis, covenant structures, and recourse frameworks) and the ability to communicate transaction rationale and risk considerations to internal partners. This is a lender-first position and includes identifying opportunities to capture core operating deposits and related treasury services aligned with CRE lending relationships, in partnership with internal deposit and treasury teams.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship Support / Business Development

– Partner with the RRM to develop, manage, and execute CRE relationship coverage plans; support business development through networking, COIs (attorneys, CPAs, CRE brokers, property managers, lenders, debt advisors), referrals, and targeted prospecting; build and manage a pipeline of CRE opportunities; participate in client discovery meetings; support product recommendations across construction, bridge, permanent, and revolving/line-of-credit structures.

Underwriting / Credit Analysis / Structuring

– Analyze borrower financial statements and guarantor strength; support CRE transaction underwriting using DSCR, LTV, Debt Yield, and related metrics; evaluate collateral quality and market dynamics; structure loan terms with appropriate risk mitigants (covenants, reserves, guarantees, amortization, recourse
on-recourse); prepare/assist with credit packages for Credit Administration; recommend approval, decline, or escalation as directed by the RRM and Credit Administration.

Portfolio Management / Client Service

– Support active management of the CRE loan portfolio; assist with annual reviews, covenant monitoring, tickler tracking, and financial reporting; participate in client discussions on portfolio performance and risk; monitor repayment activity and assist with exception management; ensure loan documentation is complete and current.

Relationship Expansion (Deposits / Treasury)

– Identify opportunities to enhance client relationships through core deposits and treasury services; coordinate with internal deposit and treasury partners to support implementation when beneficial.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

– Partner with Credit, Operations, Loan Administration, Legal, and Deposit/Treasury teams to support efficient execution and a strong client experience; collaborate on employee development and operational activities as needed.

Compliance & Required Knowledge

Compliance

– Complies with applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies (lending, operations, and deposits) including BSA/AML, OFAC, CIP, elder abuse reporting, sexual harassment prevention, information security and privacy requirements.
Required Knowledge

– 5+ years CRE lending experience including origination support and portfolio management; knowledge of CRE product types (Bridge, Permanent, Lines of Credit); experience with CRE transactions in the $2M–$15M range (or similar); familiarity with CRE property types (Industrial, Retail, Office, Multifamily); credit competency to discuss DSCR, LTV, guarantor analysis, covenants, recourse
on-recourse; underwriting support with risk assessment; local Orange County and Los Angeles CRE market knowledge; ability to develop client relationships under RRM guidance.
Banking & Compliance Knowledge

– Regulation CC, DD, E, ECOA, CRA, RESPA, TILA, BSA/AML, FCRA, privacy laws, FDIC deposit insurance, UCC, and related requirements.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong business development and relationship-building skills; ability to support COI strategies and prospect follow-up.

Demonstrated credit aptitude and underwriting discipline; ability to articulate key metrics, risks, and transaction considerations.

Effective written and verbal communication with clients and internal stakeholders.

Strong time management, organization, and ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines.

Critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Active listening and clear communication with clients and cross-functional partners.

Collaborative, team-oriented approach and willingness to contribute to collective goals.

Experience in a bank lending environment with exposure to credit committee/approval processes.

Ability to draft or contribute to credit memoranda and present transactions to senior credit stakeholders with guidance as appropriate.

Experience supporting both loan originations and portfolio management (full lifecycle).
Additional Requirements

Travel to various bank locations as required.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Typical office environment with standard conditions. Ability to perform repetitive movements, sit/stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and operate standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodations as needed.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline preferred but not required.

Minimum 5+ years CRE lending or related credit experience; underwriting support, client service, business development support, and credit portfolio management.

Experience supporting CRE transactions in the $2M–$25M range; familiarity with Industrial, Retail, Office, and Hospitality (preferred).
Minimum Absence Requirement: Two (2) consecutive weeks. This position is eligible for Officer Title; Vice President and First Vice President are potential titles.
Compensation: Exempt salary range is $102,440 – $174,200 per year. This job description is not exhaustive; Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserves the right to modify duties. This description does not create a contract of employment; employment remains at-will.

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