Corporate & Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager Lead

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.

Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires.

The Corporate & Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager Lead is responsible for leading the underwriting, structuring, and credit approval process for Associated Bank’s Corporate & Commercial Banking portfolio. This role manages and develops a team of entry level portfolio managers and credit analysts while ensuring consistent, policy aligned credit decisions that support the Bank’s middle market and commercial growth strategy. Operating as a first level people leader, this role partners closely with Business Development Officers, Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Credit Administration, and Credit Committee to balance prudent risk management with responsive deal execution.

The role contributes tactical leadership and operational discipline, with limited but meaningful input into strategy, policy interpretation, and process improvements.

• Lead underwriting for new credit facilities and renewals, including:
  Financial statement analysis Cash flow modeling Borrowing base analysis Collateral evaluation and risk assessment Structure and present credit facilities in alignment with Associated Bank’s credit policy, risk appetite, and strategic objectives.
• Review, approve, and/or elevate underwriting packages and credit write‑ups to appropriate approval authorities or credit committee.
• Ensure underwriting compliance with internal credit policy, regulatory expectations, and approved underwriting standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of documentation, including security agreements, borrowing base certificates, collateral monitoring, and field audit requirements.

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of entry level portfolio managers/underwriters and credit analysts.
• Provide day‑to‑day direction, guidance, and quality review to ensure consistent and timely credit decisions.
• Establish and reinforce underwriting standards, checklists, workflows, and best practices to drive efficiency and risk discipline.
• Support team performance through training, feedback, and development planning.

• Partner with Business Development Officers, Relationship Managers and Portfolio Managers to support deal execution from origination through approval, closing, and ongoing monitoring.
• Participate in borrower or sponsor meetings as needed to present underwriting conclusions and discuss structure.
• Coordinate with internal partners including Credit Administration, Legal, Documentation, and Operations.
• Engage with external service providers (appraisers, auditors, legal counsel, collateral specialists) to support diligence and credit decisioning.

• Apply and interpret credit policy consistently across transactions, escalating exceptions as appropriate.
• Support continuous improvement of underwriting workflows, documentation standards, and portfolio monitoring practices.
• Provide periodic reporting and insight to management and credit committee regarding:
  Credit risk trends Portfolio performance Industry and collateral exposure.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of…