Head of Commercial Credit C&I

Head of Commercial Credit C&I – Amerant Bank

Lead a team of credit underwriting and portfolio managers to provide the bank with sound, independent and objective assessment and monitoring of risks associated with the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Manage credit underwriting team leads and provide guidance to produce timely and accurate credit recommendations to credit requests, including new and existing loans, increases and modifications, annual reviews and covenant compliance, while maintaining proper adherence to credit policy and banking regulations.

• Exercise prudent credit judgment through individual loan authority assigned by Credit Risk Management Committee, as approved by the Board of Directors.

• Participate in deal discussion meetings and exercise individually assigned authorities in each setting.

• Participate as a member of various credit risk oversight committees of the Bank which administer the commercial loan portfolio.

• Evaluate and approve or decline policy exceptions and modifications to existing loans, within individual loan authority.

• Provide reports to management on work pipeline, production and turnaround times, including assignment and monitoring of work performed to ensure quality and turnaround time is being met.

• Scope: working capital lines of credit, asset-based financing, term loans, owner-occupied and income-producing properties, warehouse lines, capital call lines, leverage buyouts, dividend payouts, trade financing lines, stand-by and commercial letters of credit, including large and complex structures.

• Financial analysis: thoroughly review financial statements (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, tax returns) of potential and existing borrowers and guarantors to understand their financial condition and operating performance.

• Credit risk assessment: evaluate the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on a loan based on their financial health, industry trends, and economic factors.

• Loan structuring: collaborate with relationship managers to design suitable loan structures (e.g., lines of credit, term loans, covenants) based on the client's needs and creditworthiness.

• Customer interaction: communicate with and visit potential and existing clients to gather necessary financial information, discuss credit terms, and address inquiries.

• Credit reports: prepare comprehensive pre-screen and credit memos detailing the analysis of a company's financial situation, including strengths, weaknesses, and potential risks.

• Legal documentation review: review term sheet and legal documentation to ensure conformity with approved terms.

• Industry knowledge: stay updated on industry trends, best practices, regulations, and economic conditions impacting specific sectors to accurately assess credit risk.

• Training: assist in the training process of new credit underwriting and portfolio managers, interns, and trainees.

• Credit policy: clear understanding of the Bank’s credit programs and policy and its adherence.

• Compliance: ensure preventive measures are carried out to fully comply with current rules, regulations and internal policies on BSA, USA Patriot Act, OFAC and other AML related issues.

• Any other duties as assigned by the Chief Credit Officer or supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance required.

• Master’s degree preferred or 10+ years of commercial credit analysis and/or portfolio management experience in lieu of education.

• Formal credit training required.

• 10+ years of professional experience in lending and/or credit analysis and portfolio management.

• Knowledgeable of banking products and documentation.

• 4-6 years of supervisory authority either in a commercial line lending environment or staff lending/credit unit.

• Thorough understanding of the Bank’s credit procedures, programs and policy.

• Accounting and credit principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite required.

• Salesforce, nCino, FIS IBS experience is a plus.

• Sound time management and organizational skills required.

• Well organized and systematic.

• Must possess strong communication skills.

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