Community CRE Underwriter

Role Overview and Responsibilities

Underwrites and prepares credit presentations for complex Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans. Assists CRE Relationship Managers (RMs) in monitoring a large loan portfolio that includes construction, bridge, and permanent loans.

Collaborates with RMs to deepen full banking relationships with sophisticated CRE developers and investors, and collects, spreads, and analyzes business, industry, and financial data supporting a client or prospect’s credit request.

Evaluates enterprise‑level and unit‑level performance drivers (store sales trends, margins, labor and food cost sensitivity, operating leverage, and multi‑unit execution risk), analyzes appraisal and market data to assess market risk, and underwrites sponsors’ contingent debt, portfolio refinance risk, and global cash‑flow to gauge ability to meet financial obligations.

Assesses CRE credit markets, identifies key business and financial risks that may impact repayment prospects, and presents conclusions supporting the credit recommendation based on documented facts and sound judgement. Prepares timely, concise and accurate credit recommendations, incorporating quantitative underwriting narrative, risk‑rating scoring models, policy and guideline exception tracking, and accurate loan and risk rate coding when credits are boarded on the bank operating systems.

Monitors borrower financial performance per loan documents, oversees spreading of financial statements in accordance with bank guidelines, tests covenant calculations, and collaborates with Analysts and RMs to ensure borrower notifications are sent and approvals are obtained to resolve violations promptly.

Partners with Relationship Managers on customer and prospect calls as appropriate. May oversee other commercial underwriters or credit analysts, reviewing credit requests and financial spreads for accuracy and quality. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for the assigned job function, stays current on regulatory changes, and follows all bank policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent work experience (Required).

Experience:

4‑7 years Commercial Underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience (Required).

Skills:

Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills; intermediate credit and credit‑quality skills including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash‑flow analysis; strong time‑management and multitasking abilities; effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication; solid knowledge of credit policies, procedures, and typical CRE lending practices; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Travel Requirements:
Occasional.

Pay Range: $78,000.0000 to $. Pay is dependent on a variety of non‑discriminatory factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance‑based incentive compensation.

Primary

Location:

805 SW Broadway, Ste 2700 Portland, OR 97205‑3366. Ability to work fully onsite at the posted location(s) is required.

We offer a competitive total rewards package, including:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying contributions
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Mental health resources
• Identity theft protection
• Legal support
• Auto and home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Access to an online discount marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays

Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.