Corporate & Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager Lead

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. Key Accountabilities Underwriting & Credit Management • 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 escalate 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. Leadership & Team Development • 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. Collaboration & Relationship Management • 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. Policy, Process & Risk Oversight • 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 Education & Experience Required • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • 5+ years of commercial banking or credit underwriting experience. • At least 3 years of asset-based lending experience, or demonstrated experience with transactions, collateral structures, and borrowing base mechanics. • 5+ years of experience preparing and presenting credit recommendations to approval authorities or credit committees. • 5+ years of experience with credit structures, documentation, and collateral monitoring practices. • Strong analytical and credit risk assessment skills, including the ability to interpret financial statements, collateral trends, and borrower risk. Preferred • 2+ years of experience leading or mentoring junior credit professionals. • Demonstrated people leadership capability. Join a growing commercial banking platform where you can make a meaningful impact on portfolio strategy, underwriting quality, and team development. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with experienced banking professionals while helping shape and expand a developing portfolio management function in a key market. Apply today to make an impact. In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life. • Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans. • Paid time off to volunteer in your community. • Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups. • Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities. • Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more. • Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits. $96,880.00 - $166,080.00 per year