Head of CRE Underwriting

The position oversees a team of underwriters responsible for evaluating transactions across all major CRE segments and ensures disciplined credit decision-making aligned with risk appetite, regulatory standards, and strategic business objectives. The role covers the full spectrum of commercial real estate asset classes, including multi-family, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail, hospitality, charter schools, and construction, with particular emphasis on transitional assets.

Client Details

This role is with a well-established, mid-sized bank located in Midtown.

Description

• * Lead and oversee the commercial real estate underwriting team, ensuring robust credit analysis, effective challenge, and consistent application of credit policies and risk standards.
• * Review and sponsor credit transactions submitted for approval, confirming that risk ratings appropriately reflect borrower and transaction risk profiles.
• * Partner with lending, portfolio management, and other stakeholders to support portfolio quality while balancing growth objectives and risk appetite.
• * Provide guidance on loan structuring, including repayment terms, covenants, collateral, and other credit conditions.
• * Participate in client meetings and site visits as appropriate to support credit assessment and structuring decisions.
• * Coach and mentor less experienced colleagues across credit, portfolio management, and lending functions, reinforcing sound underwriting practices and regulatory compliance.
• * Support talent evaluation, performance management, and development planning within the credit function.
• * Lead or actively participate in Credit Committee and other governance forums, ensuring clear and timely responses to approval authority inquiries.
• * Oversee the preparation and accuracy of recurring and ad hoc credit reporting, including monthly and quarterly deliverables.
• * Serve as a key point of contact for regulators and auditors on credit-related matters, supporting examinations and audits as required.
• * Monitor portfolio performance, exposure levels, and concentration risks, identifying trends and early warning indicators.
• * Drive technology adoption and process enhancements within the credit function, aligned with broader technology and AI initiatives.
• * Promote collaboration and alignment around strategic initiatives across credit and business teams.
• * Maintain awareness of industry developments and best practices, applying insights to inform senior leadership decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• * Perform other related duties as assigned.

Profile

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

* Minimum of 12 years of commercial real estate credit experience across multiple asset classes.

* Proven background as a credit-trained banker operating in a highly credit-intensive environment.

* Strong leadership capabilities with a hands-on management style and demonstrated commitment to coaching and developing talent.

* Excellent analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

* Broad knowledge of commercial real estate markets, with particular familiarity with the Tri-State region and South Florida.

* Advanced expertise in credit structuring, covenant design, and management of large and complex credit exposures.

* Strong understanding of regulatory credit frameworks, risk models, and supervisory expectations.

* Strategic mindset with the ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and process improvement.

Job Offer

• Competitive base salary ranging from $220,000 to $250,000 USD.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being.
• Opportunity to lead a high-performing team in the financial services industry.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.