Managing Director - Real Estate Lending

We are currently representing a prominent real estate lender with headquarters in the DMV, NY, and LA areas, seeking to add a Managing Director of Real Estate Lending to their expanding real estate finance team. The ideal candidate will possess 12-15 years of experience in managing the full cycle of commercial real estate lending, credit, and loan origination within the commercial real estate, real estate investment, and investment banking sectors.

This position requires candidates to be based in the DMV, NY, or LA areas and to be willing to attend one of the company’s HQ locations 1-2 days a week.

If you or anyone in your network is interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Job Title: Managing Director – Commercial Real Estate Lending

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Managing Director of Commercial Real Estate Lending to lead and manage our real estate finance team. This role will focus on sourcing, underwriting, and executing senior bridge and construction loans, as well as structured financing within a fast-paced lending environment. The Managing Director will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, leading the origination team, and overseeing the credit and closing processes. This position will also work closely with senior leadership to develop and implement business strategies for loan originations, portfolio management, and market expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the commercial real estate lending team, setting performance goals, and overseeing all aspects of loan origination, underwriting, and execution.
• Cultivate and grow a network of industry relationships, including real estate developers, equity sponsors, brokers, and legal professionals.
• Develop and execute annual business plans to meet origination and portfolio performance goals.
• Oversee loan screening, structuring, and credit memo preparation, ensuring compliance with the company’s credit policies and guidelines.
• Work with the President, Real Estate Finance, to implement strategies for business growth and market positioning.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business opportunities.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and underwriting of new loan opportunities, ensuring alignment with credit policies.
• Ensure accurate documentation of loan terms, legal agreements, and inter-creditor arrangements.
• Manage and guide the loan closing process, including coordination of legal documentation, third-party due diligence, and internal processing.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of detailed financial models and sensitivity analyses for each loan transaction.
• Conduct market and industry research, including due diligence on sponsors and borrowers.
• Lead and manage the underwriting and asset management teams, creating a transparent and performance-driven culture.
• Collaborate closely with Portfolio Management on loan modifications, extensions, risk ratings, and ongoing asset management.
• Work alongside Internal Audit, Accounting, and Compliance to ensure a regulated and well-defined process for business operations.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks, escalating issues when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field is a plus.
• 15 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, with a focus on credit underwriting, asset management, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate financing, credit functions, and lending regulations (state and federal).
• Proven experience managing teams and fostering a positive, high-performing work culture.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex financial statements and real estate projects.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and negotiate.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills, with experience managing confidential information.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and dynamic situations.
• Expertise in financial modeling and commercial real estate analysis.