Columbia Bank

Columbia Bank

Regional bank expanding through acquisitions

Commercial Underwriting Manager

Full-Time
$130k - $190k/yr

+ Performance-based incentive compensation

Mid, Senior
Bachelor's
Los Angeles, CA, USA
In Person

Fully onsite at the posted Los Angeles location.

About the job

Requirements
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
  • Four to seven years of required experience in Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management, or related work.
  • Four to seven years of required supervisory or management experience.
  • Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
  • Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
  • Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation, including SBA credit and environmental policies, SBA lending and eligibility standards, and SBA documentation when applicable.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, financial statements, and related information.
  • Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information.
  • Experience managing and developing others and ability to build and maintain relationships.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage customer relationships.
  • Ability to partner effectively with Commercial Relationship Managers, Underwriters, Credit Administration, and other teams.
  • Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry-specific software, including Word, Excel, T-Soft, and FileMaker Pro.
  • Ability to comply with bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required training, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and bank security requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee workflow management for a Commercial credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned market.
  • Ensure comprehensive analysis of new credit requests and servicing actions and adherence to bank credit-quality guidelines and applicable policies.
  • Coordinate workflow with other work groups to support smooth credit-department operations and timely service to sales staff and customers.
  • Direct timely and accurate completion of Commercial credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
  • Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Administrators while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
  • Oversee management of the Commercial loan portfolio to ensure consistent, high-quality, timely work that complies with credit policies and procedures.
  • Manage Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, ongoing training, performance reviews, coaching, and development.
  • Manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students when required.
  • Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and monitor the point of contact for underwriting and approval processes.
  • Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions.
  • Make credit determinations for servicing requests and review assigned deteriorating files.
  • Perform annual credit-quality reviews on assigned files.
  • Train direct reports and internal partners on bank credit policies and systems.
  • Administer assignments and follow up on complex credits and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees in other departments.
  • Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
  • Keep current with regulatory changes and apply regulatory knowledge to assigned responsibilities.
  • Coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject-matter expert when requested.
  • Follow bank policies, procedures, compliance regulations, and required annual or job-specific training.
  • Perform other assigned duties.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with SBA credit and environmental policies, SBA lending and eligibility standards, and SBA documentation when applicable.
  • Experience with FileMaker Pro.

About the company

Columbia Banking System is a regional bank holding company that expanded across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho through acquisitions and now operates the combined bank under the Umpqua Bank brand after merging with Umpqua Holdings. Customers access traditional banking services—deposit accounts and loans—through branches, online, and mobile channels, with local relationship banking supported by a larger regional network. The company differentiates itself by blending a broad Pacific Northwest footprint with a community-bank focus, preserving local ties while leveraging scale from the merger and rebrand. Its goal is to serve local individuals and businesses with accessible banking and loans while growing its reach and capabilities through acquisitions and the Umpqua Bank platform.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Tacoma, Washington

Founded

1988

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 2026 second-quarter deposits grew $650 million during Columbia’s second 2026 campaign.
  • September 2026 priced $250 million subordinated notes, reinforcing capital and growth funding.
  • August 2026 opened Colorado Springs office, extending Colorado coverage beyond Denver into retail banking.

What critics are saying

  • June 2026 Washington suit alleges Columbia aided a $230 million Ponzi scheme.
  • Management called 2026 banking markets unusually competitive on September 15, 2026.
  • If deposit growth slows after acquisition synergies, Columbia loses buyback capacity and earnings momentum.

What makes Columbia Bank unique

  • August 2025 Pacific Premier made Columbia a Western regional bank with California scale.
  • April 2026 franchise banking team targets restaurants with treasury, derivatives, merchant banking.
  • January 2026 systems conversion unified Pacific Premier operations, sharpening Columbia’s cross-sell platform.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Mental Health Support

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Legal Services

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Employee Discounts

Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 8%

1 year growth

↑ 8%

2 year growth

↑ 8%
PR Newswire
Sep 14th, 2026
Columbia Bank prices $250M subordinated notes offering at 6.721%

Columbia Bank, the banking subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, has priced an offering of $250 million in subordinated notes due 2036. The notes will carry an initial fixed interest rate of 6.721% per annum through September 2031, after which the rate will reset to the Five-Year US Treasury Rate plus 195 basis points. The offering is expected to close on 18 September 2026, subject to customary conditions. The notes are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. Columbia Bank plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including supporting growth and capital adequacy, and to return up to $250 million to its parent company. Columbia Banking System will use the returned capital to redeem certain outstanding trust preferred securities.

PR Newswire
Aug 6th, 2026
Columbia Bank opens first Colorado Springs office, expanding footprint with commercial and retail branch

Columbia Bank has opened its first commercial office and retail branch in Colorado Springs, expanding its presence in the state. The bank has been operating in Colorado Springs since 2023 under Southern Colorado Market Director Alex Sullivan, building a deposit base without a physical location. The 5,500-square-foot facility is located in the downtown Trolley District at 517 S. Cascade Ave. Columbia Bank entered Colorado in 2022 and now operates four offices between Denver and Colorado Springs. The bank offers commercial and retail banking services, treasury management, commercial real estate lending, and other financial services. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB) and operates across nine western US states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

PR Newswire
Jul 30th, 2026
Columbia Banking System appoints Simone Lagomarsino to board of directors

Columbia Banking System has appointed Simone Lagomarsino to its Board of Directors, effective 1 September 2026. She will serve on the Board's Enterprise Risk Management Committee and Audit Committee. Lagomarsino brings over 40 years of financial services experience. Most recently, she served as President and Chief Risk Officer of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank until the company's sale. She previously held chief executive roles at Luther Burbank Corporation, the California Bankers Association, and Heritage Oaks Bancorp. Her board experience includes the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Columbia Banking System, headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is the parent company of Columbia Bank, which operates across nine western US states.

PR Newswire
Jul 23rd, 2026
Columbia Banking System reports $208M net income, repurchases $199M shares in Q2 2026

Columbia Banking System reported second quarter 2026 net income of $208 million, with earnings per share of $0.73. The company repurchased $199 million of common stock and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share. Net interest income decreased $5 million from the prior quarter to $589 million, partly due to $4 million in interest income reversals. Net interest margin fell 3 basis points to 3.93%. Total assets decreased to $65.4 billion from $66.0 billion as the company pursued balance sheet optimisation. Loans and leases declined to $47.2 billion from $47.7 billion, reflecting runoff in lower-return transactional loans. The company completed integration of its Pacific Premier Bancorp acquisition, achieving targeted cost savings. Two deposit campaigns in early 2026 generated approximately $1.25 billion in new deposits combined.

Living In the News
Jul 23rd, 2026
Columbia Bank shares practical cash flow strategies at Weiser Chamber Luncheon.

Columbia Bank shares practical cash flow strategies at Weiser Chamber Luncheon. July 23, 2026 The Weiser Chamber of Commerce welcomed local business owners and community members to its July Chamber Luncheon at the beautiful Sweet Roots Community Gathering Space, 603 E. Main Street in Weiser. Guests enjoyed a delicious carnitas lunch catered by Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant while networking and learning practical strategies to strengthen their businesses. Crystal Torres, Branch Manager of Columbia Bank in Weiser, and Ryan McPheeters, Branch Manager of the Ontario branch, led an informative presentation focused on one of the most important aspects of running a successful business: cash flow. While many people think profitability is the key to success, the presenters emphasized that cash flow is what keeps the doors open. A business may show a profit on paper, but without enough cash available to pay employees, suppliers, rent, taxes, and unexpected expenses, it can still struggle. Using a simple cash flow cycle diagram, Crystal and Ryan walked attendees through the movement of money in a business: * Materials and Services * Accounts Payable * Accounts Receivable * Back to Cash They explained that understanding where money gets tied up allows business owners to make better financial decisions and avoid unnecessary stress. Several practical tips were shared throughout the presentation, including: * Invoice customers as quickly as possible. * Follow up consistently on outstanding invoices before they become overdue. * Take advantage of supplier payment terms while maintaining strong business relationships. * Don't wait until a cash flow problem becomes a crisis, visit your banker early to discuss options. The Columbia Bank team also reminded attendees that local bankers can assist with much more than traditional loans. They offer guidance on merchant services, payroll solutions, invoicing systems, accounts receivable tools, and other financial products designed to help businesses operate more efficiently. One of the featured products was Columbia Bank's SBA Express Line of Credit, available through select SBA Preferred Lenders. The program provides qualified small businesses with access to up to $50,000 in revolving working capital with a simplified application process. The presenters encouraged business owners to establish a line of credit before they need it, providing flexibility when unexpected opportunities, or challenges arise. Throughout the luncheon, Crystal and Ryan encouraged attendees to view their banker as a business partner, not simply someone who processes transactions. Their message was simple: "Profit is important, but cash flow keeps the doors open." The Weiser Chamber luncheons continue to provide valuable opportunities for local businesses to connect, learn from industry experts, and strengthen relationships that help the community thrive. Contact Information Weiser Chamber of Commerce 536 State St., Suite 4 Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 414-0452 Sweet Roots Community Gathering Space 603 E. Main St. Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 740-4967 Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant 1800 E. 6th St. Weiser, ID 83672 (208) 414-6432 Columbia Bank - Weiser Branch 440 E. Main St. Weiser, ID 83672 Crystal Torres, Branch Manager III Office: (208) 549-8608 Mobile: (208) 741-4397 Email: [email protected] Columbia Bank - Ontario Branch Ryan McPheeters, Branch Manager