Real Estate Underwriter

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Working at PPM America, Inc., a US‑based institutional asset manager founded in Chicago in 1990, you will be part of a culture that values openness, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of investment performance.

The Commercial Real Estate Group (CREG) loan origination team is responsible for all aspects of the loan origination process for both core and structured loans. As a Real Estate Underwriter you will work with originators to source, review, underwrite, and present new loan opportunities, and play an active role in loan closing, servicing, and portfolio monitoring.

• Provide support and analysis in all aspects of core and structured mortgage loan origination, including economic, borrower/sponsor, market, and lease analysis, and preparation of committee presentations.
• Collaborate with originators and the Head of Loan Origination to review, quote, negotiate, and underwrite new loan opportunities.
• Partner with CREG’s mortgage broker network and borrowers to review new opportunities, secure necessary information for underwriting, perform deal approval and closing, and offer backup market coverage when needed.
• Assist originators and closers with closing new loan transactions, reviewing third‑party reports and updated economic information, and procuring required closing items.
• Contribute to the refinement of origination processes and procedures, develop an annual business plan, and adjust team strategy to ensure high‑quality loan origination.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mortgage brokers, borrowers, and industry leaders; attend industry conferences and organizations.
• Collaborate with Loan Servicing, Portfolio Analytics, and Asset Management to monitor the existing loan portfolio.
• Support ad‑hoc projects within CREG as needed.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

• Strong understanding of commercial real estate valuation, cash‑flow analysis, and market risk drivers.
• Excellent financial modeling skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact well with people inside and outside the organization.
• Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Real Estate, Finance, or a related field (required).
• MBA with concentrations in related fields (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in the commercial real estate field, including direct experience in the analysis and origination of new core and structured commercial mortgage loan transactions (required).
• Life insurance company mortgage lending experience (preferred).
• CRI or CFA designation (preferred).

• Competitive salary and bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with up to 12% company match.
• Tuition and professional certification reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and paid volunteer time.
• Equity compensation and performance bonuses.

Base Pay: $ – $. The base salary may vary depending on experience, job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities. This role also offers an annual bonus program and other benefit programs in accordance with company policy.

PPM America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We base employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected class.