Underwriting Manager - C&I/Middle Market Lending

$155,000 - $175,000/Yr

Dime Community Bank - Hauppauge, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Hauppauge, NY

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The Underwriting Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing the underwriting process for commercial and industrial (C&I) and middle market lending. This position involves not only underwriting loan requests but also managing a team of Senior Underwriters who evaluate the creditworthiness of clients. The Underwriting Manager will be responsible for determining clients' ability to repay loans and lines of credit, which may include loans for real estate purchases, debt consolidation, and working capital for businesses. The role requires a strong focus on the underwriting and processing of syndicated and participation loan requests, particularly in the C&I/Middle Market sector. In addition to underwriting responsibilities, the Underwriting Manager will ensure that the team operates efficiently and responds promptly to requests while maintaining the safety and soundness of Dime's loan portfolio. This includes preparing underwriting analyses for new and existing credit proposals, which encompass various loan types such as owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, business acquisition facilities, business term loans, lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and loan participations/syndications. The Underwriting Manager will also mentor team members, assist in their professional development, and conduct annual performance reviews. The role requires a proactive approach to communication with loan officers, brokers, and clients throughout the underwriting and loan review process. The Underwriting Manager will participate in client meetings and conference calls, ensuring that all credit recommendations are well-supported and adhere to Dime's credit policies. Additionally, the position involves overseeing the preparation of loan modifications, extensions, and renewals, as well as conducting annual reviews of the existing portfolio. The Underwriting Manager will also assess collateral coverage and ensure that all credit evaluations properly identify policy exceptions and incorporate suitable mitigants.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Senior Underwriters in the origination of syndicated/participated loan requests.
• Assist in the preparation of credit approval memorandums based on workflow demands.
• Ensure the underwriting process is efficient and responsive while maintaining the safety of Dime's loan portfolio.
• Prepare underwriting analysis for new and existing credit proposals, including various loan types.
• Review Letters of Interest (LOI) for accuracy and adherence to Lending Policy.
• Mentor and assist in the development of Underwriters assigned to the team.
• Prepare annual performance reviews for team members.
• Review Credit Approval Requests (CAR) to ensure compliance with Dime underwriting standards.
• Oversee preparation of requests for loan modifications, extensions, and renewals.
• Conduct annual reviews of the existing portfolio.
• Assess Dime's collateral coverage and create borrowing base advance formulas.
• Communicate proactively with loan officers, brokers, and clients during the underwriting process.
• Assist in collecting financial information from clients for new loan requests and annual reviews.
• Provide analytical support for Senior Management as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years' experience in commercial banking, underwriting, or lending in the middle market in Long Island and/or New York City.
• Strong understanding of loan risk factors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of credit and financial analysis techniques.
• Ability to independently gather, consolidate, analyze, and summarize data for commercial credit relationships.
• Good interpersonal skills for working with loan officers, credit officers, clients, and executive management.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Knowledge of Sageworks/Abrigo End-to-End software system preferred.
• Effective time management and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with syndicated and participation loan requests.
• Familiarity with commercial real estate lending.

Benefits

• Salary range from $155,000 to $175,000 annually based on experience and qualifications.