Real Estate Portfolio Manager - Irvine, CA

Associates at California Bank & Trust work in a relationship-centered culture where they are provided with the tools, training, and opportunities to build the best possible relationships with our clients and with each other. Our workplace culture values each associate’s unique experiences, background and perspectives and provides a collaborative environment for all employees to grow and thrive.      

As a premier California-focused financial services company dedicated to serving its communities, families, and businesses (small, mid-sized and large), CB&T has been active for 70 years and has more than 80 full-service branch offices across the state. This dedication has helped the bank earn recognition as a perennial powerhouse in yearly voting for “Best Bank” and “Best Commercial Bank” from the readers of San Diego Union-Tribune and Orange County Register. Additionally, as a division of Zions Bancorporation, the bank has collected multiple Greenwich Excellence Awards for “Overall Client Satisfaction” in Small Business & Middle Market Excellence Awards.  

We are looking for a seasoned Portfolio Manager in Irvine, CA. This role focuses on identifying appropriate lending opportunities, soliciting, and developing all types of business activity, specializing in commercial loans and participates in the development of overall commercial loan objectives, policies and practices. 

Job Requirements:  

Underwriting & Credit Analysis

Underwrite new originations and portfolio exposures for a broad range of CRE asset classes.

Analyze borrower financials, property cash flows, collateral valuation, sponsor strength, covenant sensitivities, and market conditions

Prepare clear, comprehensive written credit analyses and supporting documentation

Execute straightforward credit requests for existing clients with limited supervision

Assist with annual company‑wide credit reviews for clients with multiple property holdings, including analysis beyond bank‑financed properties

Transaction & Deal Support

Support both existing property transactions (including refinancings) and ground‑up construction projects, including budget monitoring and monthly construction draw reviews through project completion

Assist with new deal originations, evaluating opportunities with typical transaction sizes of $24–$40 Million.

Participate in the preparation and negotiation of term sheets, as applicable

Portfolio Management & Credit Monitoring

Support Relationship Managers in managing an assigned portfolio of commercial real estate client relationships

Perform accurate and consistent spreading of borrower financial statements in accordance with bank standards and credit policies

Prepare quarterly trend analyses, monitoring reports, and covenant compliance testing

Maintain compliance monitoring and financial reporting databases, including tracking credit agreement requirements, borrower financial receipt, and key credit metrics

Participate in quarterly portfolio reviews, including analysis of operating statements, rent rolls, and risk assessments

Proactively identify and communicate emerging risks, mitigants, and other issues at the transaction and portfolio level

Collaboration & Communication

Collaborate effectively with Credit Approvers and internal risk partners

Participate in client bank meetings, as needed, to support underwriting, portfolio management, and risk discussions

Serve as a reliable first line of credit analysis, escalating issues appropriately

Qualifications:  

Requires a bachelor's degree in Finance, Business or other related field and 2+ years of banking, relationship management, underwriting and credit experience or other directly related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may meet qualifications.

Knowledge of various types of loans, credit analysis, spreading and analyzing financial statements, risk analysis, credit scoring, loan documentation, etc. 

Knowledge of banking products, services, policies, procedures and regulations. 

Solid credit skills in underwriting, financial modeling, valuations and adherence to policy. 

Requires solid customer service, relationship, organizational, analytical and creative problem-solving skills. 

Ability to meet deadlines. 

Must have solid communications skills, both verbal and written. 

Knowledge of various software applications including word processing and spreadsheets.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Strong foundation in CRE underwriting across multiple property types (cash flow, valuation, sponsor analysis, structure, and covenants).

Experience authoring credit memoranda and presenting key risks, mitigants, and recommendations to approval committees

Strong analytical and technical writing skills; able to translate complex sponsor/tenant/technical diligence into clear credit narratives

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across origination, portfolio management, credit risk, and technical advisors

Comfort operating with accountability—independently driving analyses while partnering closely with Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Credit Approvers

Familiarity with banking credit policy, loan documentation concepts, and CRE underwriting processes (construction, bridge, term, homebuilding and portfolio facilities)

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (cash flow modeling and scenario analysis) and the broader Microsoft Office Suite

Experience with nCino, CoStar, Salesforce and/or other CRE research platforms preferred

Benefits: 

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - START DAY ONE!   

Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance  

Health Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA) and dependent care accounts 

Paid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and any applicable state holidays 

401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing, competitive compensation in line with work experience  

Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions 

Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying employees enrolled in an accredited degree program related to the needs of the business, maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, employees are eligible for the program upon hire 

Employee Ambassador preferred banking products 

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $69,000 - $101,000 annually depending on job-related factors such as level of experience and location.