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# SVP, Commercial Real Estate with a Regional Bank – San Francisco, CA


Role Overview for SVP, Commercial Real Estate with a Regional Bank – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a prestigious and rapidly growing regional bank in their search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Commercial Real Estate (CRE). Based in the vibrant heart of San Francisco, CA, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the bank’s strategic growth plan. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to spearhead the CRE lending division, driving profitability, market share, and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the Northern California real estate market, a proven track record of originating and managing complex CRE transactions, and the ability to inspire and lead a high-performing team.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a well-capitalized and community-focused financial institution. The SVP will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the CRE loan portfolio, from strategic planning and business development to underwriting, risk management, and portfolio administration. You will be the face of the bank’s CRE division in the Bay Area, building and nurturing key relationships with developers, investors, brokers, and community leaders.
Your leadership will directly influence the bank’s balance sheet and its reputation as a premier lending partner in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets. You will be tasked with navigating the complexities of the modern commercial real estate landscape, identifying emerging trends and opportunities while mitigating potential risks. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance aggressive growth targets with prudent credit discipline and a commitment to the bank’s long-term stability and success.
As the SVP, you will report directly to the Chief Lending Officer and serve as a key member of the senior leadership team. You will have substantial autonomy to shape the direction of your division, develop innovative lending products, and mentor the next generation of CRE professionals. If you are a seasoned CRE executive with a passion for building businesses and a deep connection to the San Francisco market, we invite you to explore this exceptional career opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Commercial Real Estate with a Regional Bank – San Francisco, CA
Strategic Leadership & Business Planning

Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Commercial Real Estate division that aligns with the bank’s overall objectives for growth, profitability, and risk management.
Establish annual and quarterly goals for loan production, portfolio growth, fee income, and credit quality. Monitor performance against these goals and implement corrective actions as needed.
Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify new business opportunities, competitive threats, and shifts in the San Francisco and greater Bay Area CRE market.
Champion the development of new and enhanced CRE lending products and services to meet the evolving needs of the market and maintain a competitive edge.
Serve as a key advisor to the executive management team and the Board of Directors on all matters related to commercial real estate lending.

Business Development & Loan Origination

Proactively source and originate a significant pipeline of high-quality CRE loan opportunities, including acquisition, development, construction, and permanent financing across various asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hospitality).
Cultivate and maintain a robust network of influential centers of influence, including real estate developers, investors, brokers, attorneys, and accountants.
Represent the bank at industry conferences, networking events, and community functions to enhance its brand visibility and market presence.
Lead complex deal structuring and negotiations, ensuring transactions are sound, profitable, and aligned with the bank’s credit policies and risk appetite.
Collaborate with internal partners, including credit, treasury management, and private banking, to deliver comprehensive financial solutions to clients.

Portfolio & Risk Management

Provide ultimate oversight for the CRE loan portfolio, ensuring its overall health, performance, and credit quality.
Chair or actively participate in loan committee meetings, presenting and advocating for new credit requests and providing expert insight on complex transactions.
Ensure all lending activities are in strict compliance with internal credit policies, banking regulations, and legal requirements.
Direct the underwriting and credit analysis process, ensuring thorough due diligence and accurate risk assessment for all proposed loans.
Proactively manage and monitor existing loans, identifying early warning signs of potential problems and implementing timely and effective workout strategies for distressed assets.
Oversee the preparation of portfolio reviews, stress tests, and other risk management reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CRE relationship managers, underwriters, and support staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular coaching and feedback, and conduct formal performance reviews.
Recruit and retain top-tier talent to build a best-in-class CRE lending team.
Promote ongoing professional development and training to ensure the team remains current on industry best practices, market trends, and regulatory changes.
Delegate responsibilities effectively to empower team members and optimize departmental efficiency.

Requirements for the SVP, Commercial Real Estate with a Regional Bank – San Francisco, CA
Required Qualifications

Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in commercial real estate lending, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Real Estate, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Extensive and demonstrable experience originating, structuring, and underwriting complex CRE loans, including large construction and development projects.
A deep and established network of professional contacts within the San Francisco Bay Area real estate community is essential.
Proven track record of successfully building and managing a profitable, high-quality CRE loan portfolio in excess of $500 million.
Expert-level knowledge of credit analysis, financial modeling, risk management, and commercial loan documentation.
Strong understanding of federal and state banking regulations governing commercial lending.
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a history of mentoring and developing successful lending professionals.
Superior negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with C-level executives, clients, and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a graduate degree in a relevant field is highly preferred.
Completion of a formal bank credit training program.
Experience working for a regional or community bank, with an appreciation for a client-centric and relationship-based service model.
Direct experience lending across a diverse range of asset types prevalent in the Northern California market.
Proficiency with industry-standard financial software and CRM systems.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and potential long-term incentives.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you build a secure future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A substantial PTO policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, in addition to paid bank holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, industry certifications, and attendance at professional conferences to support your career growth.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to a healthy work-life balance within a supportive and collaborative corporate culture.
Wellness Programs
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives, including gym membership reimbursements and mental health resources.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax programs to assist with public transportation and parking costs in San Francisco.
Additional Perks
Employee stock purchase plan, life and disability insurance, and employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the recruitment for this pivotal SVP, Commercial Real Estate role. We are a leading executive search firm specializing in placing top talent within the financial services sector. We pride ourselves on our deep industry knowledge and our commitment to creating successful, long-term partnerships between our clients and candidates.
If you are a qualified and ambitious CRE leader ready to take on this exciting challenge, we encourage you to submit your resume and a cover letter for confidential consideration. To learn more about our expertise and to apply, please visit our Banking & Financial Services practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how this exceptional opportunity aligns with your career aspirations.