SVP, Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending - West Coast

Job description

At Customers Bank, we believe in working hard, working smart, working together to deliver memorable customer experiences and having fun. Our vision, mission, and values guide us along our path to achieve excellence. Passion, attitude, creativity, integrity, alignment, and execution are cornerstones of our behaviors. They define who we are as an organization and as individuals. Everyone is encouraged to have personal development plans. By doing so, our team members are on their way to achieve their highest potential and be successful in their personal and professional lives. Salary range: An annual salary range of $275,000–$285,000 is what we expect to pay for this position, based on overall skills and experience. Work Location: Hybrid in Los Angeles, CA – our office in Sherman Oaks, CA is the closest for the hybrid work model. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, now or in the future, to be considered. Who is Customers Bank? Founded in 2009, Customers Bank is a super-community bank with over $22 billion in assets. We believe in dedicated personal service for the businesses, professionals, individuals, and families we work with. We get you further, faster. Focused on you: We provide every customer with a single point of contact. A dedicated team member who’s committed to meeting your needs today and tomorrow. On the leading edge: We’re innovating with the latest tools and technology so we can react to market conditions quicker and help you get ahead. Proven reliability: We always ground our innovation in our deep experience and strong financial foundation, so we’re a partner you can trust. What You’ll Do: The Head of Real Estate West Coast is responsible for leading the company’s west coast commercial real estate lending strategy, portfolio management, site selection, acquisitions, leasing, development, and asset optimization activities throughout California and other designated markets. This executive role partners closely with the Head of Real Estate and senior leadership to support business growth, maximize portfolio value, reduce occupancy costs, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Experience with commercial real estate (CRE), multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction, bridge, and investment property lending is needed in this role. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, financial acumen, negotiation expertise, and deep knowledge of California real estate markets to drive long-term value creation. Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the company’s west coast commercial real estate strategy aligned with organizational growth objectives. Identify market opportunities and emerging trends to support expansion, consolidation, and investment decisions. Provide executive-level recommendations regarding acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and development opportunities. Lead long-range portfolio planning and capital allocation strategies. Portfolio Management Oversee the performance and optimization of the company’s west coast commercial real estate portfolio. Evaluate portfolio metrics, occupancy costs, lease obligations, and asset performance. Develop strategies to maximize asset value and operational efficiency. Ensure portfolio decisions align with business objectives and financial targets. Transactions & Negotiations Lead complex lending negotiations, acquisitions, dispositions, renewals, and property development agreements. Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, investors, and government agencies. Direct due diligence activities including financial, legal, environmental, and zoning reviews. Negotiate favorable terms and mitigate transaction risks. Development & Construction Oversight Manage real estate development projects from site selection through occupancy. Coordinate with architects, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders. Monitor project schedules, budgets, and quality standards. Ensure compliance with California building codes, environmental regulations, and permitting requirements. Financial Management Prepare and manage annual real estate budgets and capital expenditure plans. Conduct financial analyses, investment underwriting, and return-on-investment assessments. Develop business cases for real estate investments and strategic initiatives. Monitor portfolio performance against financial goals. Team Leadership Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing West Coast real estate team. Establish department goals, performance metrics, and development plans. Foster collaboration across finance, legal, operations, facilities, and executive leadership teams. Manage external consultants, brokers, attorneys, and service providers. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Oversee risk management practices related to real estate transactions and operations. Maintain awareness of California-specific laws affecting commercial real estate. Support ESG, sustainability, and environmental initiatives where applicable. What Do You Need? Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. 10+ years of progressive real estate leadership experience. 5+ years managing large-scale real estate portfolios and teams. Extensive experience in acquisitions, leasing, development, and portfolio management. Strong financial modeling, investment analysis, and negotiation skills. Deep knowledge of California commercial real estate markets. Proven track record of leading complex transactions and strategic initiatives. Experience with Commercial Real Estate (CRE), multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction, bridge and investment property lending. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree (MBA, Real Estate, Finance, or related discipline). Professional certifications such as CCIM, CPM, SIOR, or RICS. Experience in multi-site retail, residential, industrial, office, or corporate real estate environments. Familiarity with environmental, sustainability, and ESG programs. Key Competencies Strategic Thinking Executive Presence Leadership & Team Development Financial Acumen Negotiation & Influencing Relationship Management Market Analysis Project Management Risk Assessment Decision Making Technology Skills: Ability to work with the Microsoft Suite and learn/work with other Customers Bank’s applications. Familiarity with AI and automation tools that support productivity, workflow efficiency, and client engagement. Customers Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also provide “reasonable accommodations”, upon request, to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. Diversity Statement: At Customers Bank, we believe in working smart, working together, and having fun while delivering innovative solutions and memorable experiences for our customers. We are committed to the continual advancement of a culture which reflects the value we place on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We honor the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities of our team members, and we recognize that it is their passion, creativity, and integrity that drives our success. Step into your future with us! Let’s take on tomorrow.