Lead Credit Risk & Approval Officer - Commercial Banking, Corporate Risk
Wells Fargo
About this role:
Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Credit Risk & Approval Officer to join its Independent Risk Management team as part of the bank’s second line of defense. This leader will oversee credit exposure across the Commercial Banking–Inventory Finance portfolio, approve transactions above delegated authority, provide independent challenge to underwriting and deal structure, and help develop credit exposure methodologies in partnership with risk analytics to ensure alignment with the Board‑approved risk appetite.
In this role, you will:
- Lead complex initiatives including those that are cross-functional with broad impact
- Act as key participant in monitoring and reviewing group loans, underwriting, and portfolio management performance for Credit Risk & Approval
- Review and analyze complex multi-faceted, larger scale, or longer-term business, operational, or technical challenges
- Provide in-depth evaluation of multiple factors including structuring, pricing, and documentation
- Receive direction from leaders and exercise independent judgment while developing the knowledge to understand function, policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
- Collaborate and consult with peers, colleagues, and managers to resolve issues and achieve goals
- Interact with internal and external customers
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent experience demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Inventory Finance, including wholesale and floor plan lending programs.
- Experience holding and applying Delegated Credit Approval Authority (DCAA).
- Strong ability to analyze and interpret complex financial statements, structured commercial loan transactions, and associated loan documentation.
- Proven capability to exercise independent judgment while navigating policies, procedures, compliance requirements, and varied industry practices.
- Effective in influencing and building partnerships within a matrixed organization across all levels of leadership.
- Ability to deliver credible challenges and provide candid, well‑supported perspectives to peers and partners.
- Track record of executing effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment while managing multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey issues, risks, and recommendations to senior leaders.
Posting Locations:
- 10 S. Wacker - Chicago, Illinois
- 5595 Trillium Blvd – Hoffman Estates, Illinois
- 401 S Tryon Street - Charlotte, North Carolina
- 401 Las Colinas Blvd W Bldg B - Irving, Texas
Job Expectations:
- Ability to work at one of the locations in this job posting.
- This position offers a hybrid work schedule.
- This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.
- Specific compliance policies may apply regarding outside activities and/or personal investing; affected employees will be expected to provide information to the Wells Fargo Personal Account Dealing Team and abide by applicable policy requirements if hired. Information will be shared about expectations during the recruitment process.
Pay Range
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.
Salary is just one component of Wells Fargo's total rewards package. Depending on the role, a Wells Fargo's employee may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as sales incentives, discretionary bonuses, and/or equity in the company in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
$185,000.00 - $300,000.00Benefits
Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
Posting End Date:
29 Mar 2026*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.