AVP - Commercial Real Estate Underwriter (CRE)

Financial Freedom Happens Here – and it starts with YOU.

At FAIRWINDS Credit Union, our mission is changing members' lives on the journey to Financial Freedom. We're seeking a strategic and experienced Commercial Credit Manager to lead our credit analysis and underwriting team and play a vital role in supporting our growing commercial lending portfolio. This is an on-site position based at our Downtown Orlando location and candidates must reside in the Central Florida area.

Your Role in Our Mission:

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures as they relate to the areas of Commercial Underwriting
• Makes recommendations to Management to properly mitigate risk, both on individual credits and guidance
• Accountable for protecting FAIRWINDS by providing an unbiased and objective view of the prospective borrower and manages the crewmembers responsible for thoroughly disclosing all identified risks, determining mitigants, and disclosing in the credit approval memorandum
• Manages the commercial loan underwriting function and coordinates the loan approval process to include coordination of the loan committee as necessary
• Reviews loan requests and analyzes credit information to assess the credit worthiness. Makes recommendations or decisions about credit requests pursuant to guidance and policy
• Develops goals and monitors performance for the Underwriters/Credit Analysts
• Designs and develops a training plan for crewmembers
• Develops, implements and maintains underwriting procedures
• Through ongoing process of assigning workload and reviewing approval/credit packages, seeks out early warning signs of deteriorating credit trends and alerts management as needed. Makes ongoing assessments relative to credit risk ratings
• Provides ongoing recommendations and support pertaining to credit memo design and content, policy and procedure implementation, and the overall underwriting workflow within the loan origination system
• Provides leadership to the team
• Supports creating opportunities for expanding the existing business relationship by determining additional product and services for both the member’s personal and business needs
• Makes recommendations and maintains the lending guidance and policy under the approval of the Executive Loan Committee and Chief Credit Officer
• Actively participates as a member of Officer Loan Committee

What Makes You a Great Fit:

• A leader who embodies The FAIRWINDS Way
• Bachelor's Degree 

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial credit analysis or underwriting, with at least 2 years in a leadership role

• Strong knowledge of commercial lending, credit policies, and regulatory requirements

• Proven ability to build partnerships across teams and provide thoughtful, risk-based recommendations

• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills

• Must be based in the Central Florida area as this position is on-site

A Culture of Care and Reward:You give your best, and we give back with a comprehensive and meaningful rewards package:

• Enjoy 11 paid holidays and generous paid time off to recharge and reset
• Build your future with a 6% 401(k) match
• Eligible for a $700 annual contribution to your Health Savings Account
• Access our comprehensive maternity leave program to support growing families
• Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Grow your career through leadership development, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities
• Earn rewards for financial wellness through our Debt Free Club and Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar program
• Thrive in a purpose-driven, people-first culture where your impact matters

This is more than your next job. It’s your next step in changing lives; starting with your own!

About FAIRWINDS Credit UnionAt FAIRWINDS Credit Union, Financial Freedom Happens Here. Headquartered in Orlando and proudly serving members for over 70 years, our mission - changing members’ lives on the journey to Financial Freedom - drives everything we do, with a clear vision: Members financially free. Through The FAIRWINDS Way, we champion a culture of integrity, accountability, and teamwork, and we’re nationally endorsed by The Dave Ramsey Show as a trusted provider of financial wellness. Recognized as one of Forbes’ 2024 Best-in-State Credit Unions and one of Orlando Business Journal’s Best Places to Work, FAIRWINDS is a top workplace where your purpose matters and your growth is supported every step of the way!