Portfolio Manager - San Francisco, CA

Associates at California Bank & Trust work in a relationship-centered culture where they are provided with the tools, training, and opportunities to build the best possible relationships with our clients and with each other. Our workplace culture values each associate’s unique experiences, background and perspectives and provides a collaborative environment for all employees to grow and thrive.      

As a premier California-focused financial services company dedicated to serving its communities, families, and businesses (small, mid-sized and large), CB&T has been active for 70 years and has more than 80 full-service branch offices across the state. This dedication has helped the bank earn recognition as a perennial powerhouse in yearly voting for “Best Bank” and “Best Commercial Bank” from the readers of San Diego Union-Tribune and Orange County Register. Additionally, as a division of Zions Bancorporation, the bank has collected multiple Greenwich Excellence Awards for “Overall Client Satisfaction” in Small Business & Middle Market Excellence Awards.  

As a Portfolio Manager in our Strategic Specialty Lending Group, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving growth and delivering sophisticated lending solutions. This isn’t just portfolio management—it’s about owning the process end-to-end, influencing deal structures, and partnering with clients on complex transactions in areas like Asset-Based Lending, Leveraged Finance, and Mergers & Acquisitions.

You’ll work with seasoned bankers and sponsors, run diligence processes, negotiate legal terms, and craft financial analyses that shape strategic decisions. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, think independently, and have a passion for building relationships while solving complex financial challenges, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Process: Manage transactions from start to finish with minimal oversight—owning diligence, structuring, and execution.

• Drive Diligence: Identify key diligence areas upfront, run calls, manage follow-ups, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Deliver Insightful Analysis:

  • Review and analyze sponsor and non-sponsor financial models.

  • Spot inconsistencies, identify drivers, and engage in Q&A with stakeholders.

  • Recreate financial statement analysis for internal presentations and develop sensitized scenarios.

• Negotiate & Execute: Review and mark-up legal documents, negotiate terms with sponsors and non-sponsors.

• Manage Relationships: Expand and deepen client relationships, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.

• Monitor Performance: Track portfolio profitability, risk grades, collateral requirements, and market trends.

• Mentor & Lead: Senior-level candidates may manage Analysts and Loan Specialists.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 6+ years in banking, relationship management, underwriting, and credit—specialty lending experience required.

• Expertise in Asset-Based Lending, Leveraged Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, or other specialty areas.

• Advanced credit skills: underwriting, financial modeling, valuations, and policy adherence.

• High proficiency in Excel and financial analysis.

• Strong negotiation, presentation (written and verbal), and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and maintain a sense of urgency.

• Resourcefulness, ownership mindset, and comfort running complex processes end-to-end.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Day One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance.

• Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance.

• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Paid Training, PTO, and 11 Paid Federal Holidays.

• 401(k) with company match + Profit Sharing.

• Mental health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and preferred banking products.

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $111,000 - $135,000 annually depending on job-related factors such as level of experience.