KeyBank

Underwriting Manager – Commercial (CMBS, IP)

KeyBank$116K — $216K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, economics, or a related field preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in commercial mortgage loans origination or underwriting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft and Adobe products preferred.
  • Strong understanding of underwriting fundamentals and debt capital markets structures.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all underwriting activities for CMBS, Investor Placement, and Debt Fund mortgage loans.
  • Mentor and motivate underwriting team while fostering collaboration.
  • Maintain deal assignment lists for effective staff utilization and engagement.
  • Communicate and coordinate with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.
  • Review credit memos to ensure thorough documentation of transactions.
  • Assess and update underwriting processes using trend analysis.
  • Identify and mitigate risks in commercial transactions.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for various incentive compensation, including production and discretionary incentives.
  • Comprehensive benefits package as listed by the company.
  • Support for in-office work arrangements with some flexibility.
Full Job Description

Location:

1 N Wacker Drive, Chicago Illinois

Job Summary

The Underwriting Manager – Commercial (CMBS, IP) provides daily management, oversight and direction for all underwriting activities for CMBS, Investor Placement, and Debt Fund mortgage loans. This role facilitates the diligence of off-balance sheet real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with internal and market risk parameters and partners closely with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality execution aligned with business objectives.

Essential Functions
  • Demonstrated proficiency in commercial real estate underwriting, including CMBS, Life Insurance Company and Debt Funds and provide underwriting expertise when needed.
  • Mentor, inspire, and motivate teammates while demonstrating professionalism, mutual respect, and collaboration.
  • Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment and positively influence team performance.
  • Maintain internal underwriting and deal assignment lists to ensure full-time staff remains utilized and challenged – engaged with embedded contactors and third party vendors to ensure capacity when deal flow expands beyond internal capacity.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and promote frequent, direct communication with commercial underwriting team, internal stakeholders, rating agencies and other market participants.
  • Understand underwriting trends and best practices within other products under the Commercial Mortgage Group umbrella.
  • Review credit memo prior to submission to committee ensuring the underwriting and credit memo are thorough, reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the transaction and all underwriting parameters have been properly documented.
  • Using internal and external trend analysis. review, assess and update commercial real estate underwriting processes and procedures.
  • Identify transaction risks and work with other commercial managers to mitigate to minimize execution and pricing risks.
  • Review performance and output of third-party vendors and provide timely and thoughtful feedback to vendors and KRETS management, when needed.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in complex borrower structures ensuring commercial underwriters identify necessary participants and complete proper searches and disclosures.
  • Review and analyze transaction-related documents and prepare written narrative summaries.
  • Collaborate with origination, closing, and securitization managers to ensure compliance with internal guidelines and market standards.
  • Build and maintain internal and external relationships ensuring commercial management team is aware of evolving market trends that could influence business strategy.
  • Contribute market intelligence, ideas, and individual strengths in support of KeyBank’s mission and team goals.
  • Comply with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including acting professionally, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of clients and KeyBank.
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, economics, or a related field preferred
Work Experience
  • Ten or more years’ experience in origination, underwriting of commercial mortgage loans and/or debt capital markets banking
  • Proficiency in Microsoft and Adobe products preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills preferred
  • Proficient understanding of underwriting fundamentals with a strong focus on debt capital markets financing structures
Skills
  • Understanding of real estate debt capital markets
  • Decision-making and accountability
  • Risk identification, mitigation, and compliance awareness
  • Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced work environment
  • Problem-solving and analytical reasoning
  • Relationship building and collaboration
  • Client service orientation
  • Confidentiality and ethical judgment
  • Business and financial acumen
  • Credit analysis
  • Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering compliance
  • Commercial lending process support
  • Mortgage advisory and underwriting expertise
  • Transaction coordination and execution
  • Sales and business support
Core Competencies

All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate KeyBank’s values and abide by KeyBank’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands
  • General office environment
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Frequent use of a PC or laptop
  • Ability to communicate in person and by phone with teammates and clients
  • Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of backpacks or computer bags up to 10 pounds
Travel
  • Occasional travel, including overnight stays
Work Location
  • In office schedule requiring four or more days in the office

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Please click for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 08/07/2026

About KeyBank

Shockingly, nearly 9-in-10 people who get their real estate license in America fail. We're solving that problem; And doing it while increasing profitability for the brokerage. Through technology, business automation, and a team approach we have created a system where agents focus solely on working with clients and closing deals.

KeyBank Careers

Joining KeyBank means stepping into a world of professional growth and innovation, where job opportunities abound in an environment that values leadership, diversity, and forward-thinking. As a member of our team, you will be part of a company that's committed to empowering your career journey while contributing to the financial wellness of our communities.

Work You'll Do

At KeyBank, we're not just in the business of banking; we're in the business of helping individuals and communities thrive. By joining our team, you will have the chance to be part of a culture that celebrates diversity and fosters leadership and professional development. Whether you're looking for a position in customer service, IT, finance, or management, KeyBank offers a variety of roles suited to your skills and career aspirations.

Innovate and Lead

KeyBank stands at the intersection of finance and innovation. Our employees are encouraged to lead with creativity and integrity, driving solutions that make a real difference. With a focus on digital transformation and sustainable growth, your work at KeyBank will challenge the status quo and encourage you to explore new ideas.

Grow Your Career

Career growth at KeyBank is not just a possibility—it's a priority. We are dedicated to your professional development through comprehensive training programs, leadership workshops, and continuous learning opportunities. Our commitment to your growth is matched by our dedication to inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at KeyBank is our strongest asset. We believe in using our collective skills to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration. Join us and connect with colleagues who are just as passionate and driven as you are. Through teamwork, we achieve exceptional results and push the boundaries of what's possible in the banking sector.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their careers, KeyBank offers robust internship and employment opportunities that provide a solid foundation in the financial industry. Interns at KeyBank gain hands-on experience, beneficial networking connections, and insights into our day-to-day operations, setting the stage for a successful career.

Benefits and Culture

KeyBank is committed to offering benefits that enhance your life and well-being. From healthcare to retirement plans, and flexible working conditions, we ensure our employees are well taken care of. More than just benefits, our company culture is built on respect, integrity, and accountability—values that guide us in making a positive impact on our clients and communities.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at KeyBank and find the right fit for your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, innovative, and ready to make a difference. Prepare your resume, ace your interview, and join a team that's dedicated to your success and to transforming the landscape of banking.

Stay Connected

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Search KeyBank Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions at KeyBank that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players who are ready to grow and succeed in a dynamic and supportive environment.

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Join KeyBank and be part of a company where your career is as important to us as it is to you. Together, let's unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and meaningful impact in the financial world.
Learn more about KeyBank
Size
17,110 employees
Market Cap
$16 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1825
5 Year Trend
+5.6%
NASDAQ

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