First Foundation Bank
Overview
This position reports on-site. The Special Assets Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of complex, high-risk, and distressed middle-market commercial loans to protect the Bank’s assets and maximize recovery. This role involves direct engagement with borrowers, attorneys, and other stakeholders to develop and execute workout strategies, restructure loans, and, when necessary, oversee collection, liquidation, or foreclosure processes. The Special Assets Manager ensures compliance with banking regulations, internal credit policies, and risk management guidelines while mitigating potential losses to the institution. Responsibilities
Understands and complies with the requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position Manage a portfolio of criticized, classified, and non-performing middle market commercial loans, typically ranging from $5MM–$50MM in exposure. Conduct detailed financial analysis, collateral evaluation, and borrower assessments to determine the appropriate workout strategy. Develop, negotiate, and implement loan restructuring plans, modifications, and forbearance agreements in alignment with credit policy and regulatory requirements. Monitor borrower performance and ensure timely and accurate loan status reporting. Collaborate with internal departments (Credit, Legal, Portfolio Management, Commercial Lending) to resolve problem credits efficiently. Oversee collateral liquidation efforts, including asset sales, real estate disposition, and other recovery processes. Engage and manage external legal counsel, appraisers, receivers, and other professionals in workout or foreclosure matters. Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of all actions, decisions, and borrower communications. Provide recommendations to senior management on risk mitigation strategies and potential loss reserves. Stay current on market trends, industry conditions, and legal developments impacting loan workouts and collateral values. Recovery rates and loss mitigation results. Timeliness and accuracy of loan resolution processes. Compliance with internal and regulatory standards. Quality of portfolio management and documentation. Other duties as appropriate Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is responsible for managing the Special Assets team, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to foster professional growth and enhance their knowledge and skills. Salary Range
The salary range budgeted for this position represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Geographic Location
Irvine, CA: $132,500 - $201,400 (Annually) Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa. Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Education and / or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CTP, CIRA) preferred. Minimum 7–10 years of commercial lending, credit, or special assets experience, with at least 3–5 years focused on middle market borrowers. A minimum of 3-5 years leading special assets and credit teams required. Strong knowledge of commercial loan structures, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Proven track record in loan workouts, restructuring, and recovery strategies. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills. Ability to manage multiple complex transactions under tight deadlines. Proficiency in financial modeling, collateral valuation, and risk assessment. Familiarity with bankruptcy laws, UCC filings, and foreclosure processes. Skills
Strategic problem solver with a results-driven mindset. High attention to detail and analytical rigor. Ability to navigate challenging borrower relationships with professionalism. Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. Team-oriented, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage external partners effectively. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; use hands to operate controls on the computer; reach with hands and arms for phone and computer work; to communicate on the phone while wearing a headset for extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This job description is subject to change at any time. First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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This position reports on-site. The Special Assets Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of complex, high-risk, and distressed middle-market commercial loans to protect the Bank’s assets and maximize recovery. This role involves direct engagement with borrowers, attorneys, and other stakeholders to develop and execute workout strategies, restructure loans, and, when necessary, oversee collection, liquidation, or foreclosure processes. The Special Assets Manager ensures compliance with banking regulations, internal credit policies, and risk management guidelines while mitigating potential losses to the institution. Responsibilities
Understands and complies with the requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position Manage a portfolio of criticized, classified, and non-performing middle market commercial loans, typically ranging from $5MM–$50MM in exposure. Conduct detailed financial analysis, collateral evaluation, and borrower assessments to determine the appropriate workout strategy. Develop, negotiate, and implement loan restructuring plans, modifications, and forbearance agreements in alignment with credit policy and regulatory requirements. Monitor borrower performance and ensure timely and accurate loan status reporting. Collaborate with internal departments (Credit, Legal, Portfolio Management, Commercial Lending) to resolve problem credits efficiently. Oversee collateral liquidation efforts, including asset sales, real estate disposition, and other recovery processes. Engage and manage external legal counsel, appraisers, receivers, and other professionals in workout or foreclosure matters. Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of all actions, decisions, and borrower communications. Provide recommendations to senior management on risk mitigation strategies and potential loss reserves. Stay current on market trends, industry conditions, and legal developments impacting loan workouts and collateral values. Recovery rates and loss mitigation results. Timeliness and accuracy of loan resolution processes. Compliance with internal and regulatory standards. Quality of portfolio management and documentation. Other duties as appropriate Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is responsible for managing the Special Assets team, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to foster professional growth and enhance their knowledge and skills. Salary Range
The salary range budgeted for this position represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Geographic Location
Irvine, CA: $132,500 - $201,400 (Annually) Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa. Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Education and / or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CTP, CIRA) preferred. Minimum 7–10 years of commercial lending, credit, or special assets experience, with at least 3–5 years focused on middle market borrowers. A minimum of 3-5 years leading special assets and credit teams required. Strong knowledge of commercial loan structures, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Proven track record in loan workouts, restructuring, and recovery strategies. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills. Ability to manage multiple complex transactions under tight deadlines. Proficiency in financial modeling, collateral valuation, and risk assessment. Familiarity with bankruptcy laws, UCC filings, and foreclosure processes. Skills
Strategic problem solver with a results-driven mindset. High attention to detail and analytical rigor. Ability to navigate challenging borrower relationships with professionalism. Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. Team-oriented, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage external partners effectively. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; use hands to operate controls on the computer; reach with hands and arms for phone and computer work; to communicate on the phone while wearing a headset for extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This job description is subject to change at any time. First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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