Job Title: Commercial Loan Underwriter

Department: Credit Administration

Reports To: Manager of Commercial Underwriting

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 22

Starting Range: $73,071.00 - $90,264.00 DOE

Our starting range is based on scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. We offer a competitive total rewards package including a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits.

SUMMARY

Are you a motivated and high performing individual who has strong people, organizational skills, and a desire to work at a local business dedicated to meeting the financial needs of its customers, validating the investment of its shareholders, and investing its time, money, and expertise to support worthy causes throughout Lake and Mendocino Counties? Savings Bank of Mendocino County has proudly been serving the needs of our communities since 1903 and is seeking a qualified professional for the role of Commercial Loan Underwriter in the Credit Administration Department. This position involves performing detailed credit analysis and underwriting of Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) loans. This role emphasizes evaluating operating companies, analyzing business cash flow, and structuring credit facilities that support growth while managing risk.

The ideal candidate has four or more years of experience in a credit analyst or equivalent position. A successful person in this role is organized; detail oriented; personable; has strong time management skills; and is comfortable interacting with a broad range of individuals, including customers, executive officers and third-party companies. Savings Bank is excited to add to our team of individuals seeking to fulfill the Bank’s vision of Investing in the future as your local independent bank, committed to the prosperity of our communities, employees and shareholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Performs in-depth financial analysis of operating companies, including review of financial statements, tax returns, and borrower/guarantor cash flow.
2. Recommends loan structures, collateral, covenants, and risk ratings consistent with internal policy.
3. Works closely with commercial lenders to clarify borrower needs and guide deal structure.
4. Prepares clear, concise credit memoranda for new requests, renewals, and modifications.
5. Underwrites Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) loans, including owner-occupied and investment properties.
6. Conducts annual reviews and ongoing risk assessments for CRE relationships.
7. Monitors covenant compliance, financial reporting, borrowing bases (if applicable), and early warning indicators.
8. Supports portfolio analysis, stress testing, and concentration management activities.
9. Ensures underwriting and loan structures comply with internal credit policies, regulatory standards, and safety-and-soundness expectations.
10. Maintains complete documentation in credit systems and participates in internal audits or regulatory exams as needed.
11. Exercises individual loan approval authority up to an assigned limit and participates in joint approvals or credit committee reviews for larger or more complex credits.
12. Additional duties as assigned depending on department needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Four (4) years’ experience in a credit analyst or commercial lending position
  • Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics, or related field may substitute for years of experience

PREFERENCES

• Previous experience as a Commercial Loan Underwriter
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics, or related field
• Completion of formal commercial credit training

JOB COMPETENCIES

• Fostering Communication: Understands underlying needs, motivations, emotions or concerns of customers and staff; and communicates effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Proofreads and edits personal work and that of others, for proper grammar, spelling, and overall readability; ensuring that work has been done according to procedures and standards.
• Problem Solving: Identifies problems and alternate solutions, considering applicable precedents; and evaluates the effectiveness of solutions after implementation.
• Analytical Thinking: Analyzes and synthesizes information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound decision making.
• Initiative: Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities to go above and beyond.
• Quality Focus: Follows all policies and procedures set by the Bank; consistently meets quality standards set by the Bank; seeks opportunities for improvement.
• Fraud Detection and Control: Employs appropriate techniques and procedures for identifying, reporting, and preventing fraud.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
• Product & Technical Knowledge: Understands the products and services provided.
• Time Management: Organizes and prioritizes tasks to maximize efficiency.
• Career Development and Coaching: Shares knowledge with other employees; mentors others on how to perform work tasks
• Collaboration: Recognizes, values, and leverages the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents of every individual; promoting fairness and belonging throughout the organization.

POSITION BENEFITS

• Competitive, market-based pay
• Comprehensive insurance benefits package including medical, dental, vision and more
• 401(k) plan with maximum 6% employer match
• Profit Sharing plan
• Generous paid time off plans
• Employee Health and Wellness program
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Career development and training opportunities

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Savings Bank of Mendocino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selections are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Savings Bank of Mendocino County will consider all qualified applicants for employment and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, disability, or any other status protected by law.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is set in a quiet, office environment. The position is generally regarded as light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to alternately stand, walk, sit, reach with arms, talk or hear and use hands to write, type, and handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Some driving may be required.

Employee must possess the ability to read, write, perform basic math functions, understand basic communication and instructions, carry out instructions, complete basic problem-solving and analyzing of information, and make independent decisions within scope of responsibility.

A post-offer physical is not required for this position.