Senior Credit Underwriter - Team Lead

As a leading regional bank, SouthState has been providing financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the Southeast for more than 100 years. SouthState team members strive to create remarkable experiences while building meaningful and lasting relationships. We are proud to be a reflection of the communities we serve, and our team members share core values that make SouthState a great place to bank, and a great place to work.

Summary:

The Senior Credit Underwriter/Team Lead will lead a team of underwriters and credit analysts in the form of direction, coordination, evaluation of personnel, and carrying out other supervisory responsibilities. This position will include independently underwriting complex transactions, as well as training, mentoring and coaching less experienced underwriters. Other duties include assisting with the distribution of workflow among the underwriting teams, and interacting with Relationship Managers and Credit Officers during the underwriting process.

Responsibilities:

Underwriting/Reviewing Approval Packages

* Ensure that the bank's underwriting strategy is aligned with wider business goals within assigned Region
* Promptly review loan requests submitted by Relationship Managers, determine level of credit authority needed to decision the credit, and assess the most appropriate analytical approach
* Prepare and/or direct the preparation of a credit approval package for submission to the credit decision authority
* Help with vetting, assigning and managing workload for UW/CA team
* Help with reviewing and processing annual reviews

Recruit, manage, develop, train, and retain underwriting staff

* Provide leadership in directing, developing, and training other Credit Analysts in analytical methods and other underwriting concepts
* Participate in recruiting activities to ensure quality candidate pool including participating in interviews in support of the Officer Development Training program
* Ensure appropriate Talent Management activities and development plans are in place for staff
* Monitor and review credit underwriting to ensure product is Right the First Time

Administration

* Clearly communicate progress and/or needs in a timely and precise manner throughout the underwriting process
* Evaluate trends and potential risks that could impact the customer/prospect's ability to repay the credit extension and identify mitigating factors and/or additional information needs to offset these trends and risks
* Continuously review procedures, processes and credit policy with an eye towards process improvement and efficiency
* Interact with the Relationship Manager to identify and quantify repayment sources including cash flow, collateral and individual recourse
* Proactively study the bank's loan policy and banking regulations to determine if proposed loan terms and conditions are in compliance
* Cite policy exceptions with mitigants and provide Relationship Managers with technical advice and assistance as needed
* Assist with the monitoring of loan performance in the bank's portfolio

Qualifications:

Education

* Bachelor's Degree in business, Finance, Accounting or related field

Minimum Experience

* 7 years Credit underwriting experience with exposure to complex C&I and/or CRE transactions
* 2 years managing and/or coaching teams of credit analysts and underwriters
* Completion of a formal credit training program

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

* Advanced knowledge of credit philosophy and policies as well as loan documentation
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required
* Advanced cash flow analysis experience required
* Ability to formulate and articulate objective views based on professional credit analysis
* Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, as well as analytic and problem solving skills
* Skilled in monitoring/assessing the performance of self, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
* Skilled in personnel resources management through motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
* Motivated self-starter and an active learner
* Comfortable working in a fast paced and dynamic work environment
* Ability to effectively plan, manage, and delegate the work of others
* Ability to supervise others
* Ability to train others