Loan Syndications Associate

Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services through its 16 bank charters and nine non-bank businesses. Wintrust delivers the sophisticated solutions of a large bank while staying true to the relationship-focused,personalized service of our community banking roots. We serve clients in all 50 states with more than 200 branch banking locations in Illinois, southwestern Florida, northwestern Indiana, west Michigan and southern Wisconsin and commercial banking offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Mich., and in key branch banking locations throughout Illinois. Our people are the heart of our business and we are proud to rank consistently as a top place to work. Wintrust is a $66 billion financial institution based in Rosemont, Illinois, and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFC.”

Why join us?

• An award-winning culture! We are rated a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune (past 12 years) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years)
• Competitive pay and annual discretionary bonus eligible
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, a 401k plan with a generous company match and tuition reimbursement to name a few
• Family-friendly work hours
• Promote from within culture

The Syndications Associate supports the Bank's syndicated lending platform, working closely with Senior Syndicators in the execution, administration, and ongoing management of C&I, Franchise Finance, and Sponsor Finance syndicated credit facilities. The role participates throughout the transaction lifecycle, including the preparation of marketing materials, underwriting support, syndication activities, loan closings, lender communications, portfolio reporting, amendments, waivers, settlements, portfolio monitoring, and other Administrative Agent responsibilities. In addition, the Associate serves as the primary analyst and underwriter for the Bank's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) portfolio. Responsibilities include fund underwriting, investment due diligence, portfolio monitoring, valuation and performance reporting, and support of CRA-related initiatives. The role is responsible for management reporting related to the SBIC portfolio activity and cross-sell activity within the SBIC portfolio. Over time, the Associate is expected to assume increasing ownership of the SBIC program and become an important contributor to the Sponsor Finance team's strategic growth initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the Bank's syndicated lending platform across C&I, Franchise Finance, and Sponsor Finance credit facilities.
• Prepare marketing materials, lender presentations, confidential information memoranda, term sheets, commitment letters, and syndication packages; supporting syndication and closing activities; administering lender communications, notices, and reporting; coordinating amendments, waivers, assignments, and settlements; assisting with loan booking, operational issue resolution, and documentation management; and supporting portfolio monitoring, covenant compliance reviews, and annual credit review processes.
• Serve as the primary analyst supporting the Bank's SBIC program.
• Investment underwriting, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, valuation analysis, performance reporting, and support of CRA-related initiatives.
• Manage the SBIC Investment Committee process, including meeting schedules, agendas, presentation materials, minutes, and follow-up tracking. Coordinate with internal stakeholders, fund managers, and Sponsor Finance personnel to ensure investment, reporting, and portfolio management deliverables are completed on a timely basis.
• Prepare management reporting to monitor sponsor relationships and cross-sell activity arising from SBIC investments, supporting measurement of the Bank's success in leveraging SBIC investments into broader banking relationships
• Support process improvement initiatives, AI and automation projects, vendor evaluations, and enhancements to marketing materials and presentations.
• Participate in annual sales meetings and broader Capital Markets initiatives while developing knowledge of FX, derivatives, treasury management, and other Bank products. Maintain strong working relationships across business lines, support the development of junior team members, respond promptly to internal requests, and demonstrate a professional and collaborative approach in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Economics
• Minimum of one to three years of experience in Commercial Banking or Capital Markets in a Financial Institution. A background in Syndications and Leverage Finance is a plus.
• A solid foundation in commercial credit analysis, including the ability to review credit approval memoranda, understand financial performance and cash flow drivers, analyze transaction structures and financial covenants, and translate underwriting conclusions into lender-facing marketing materials for participant bank review.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to quickly and accurately synthesize information to help develop appropriate syndications strategies
• Ability to work as a team player interacting with a variety of deal members within a financial firm
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior client management, investors, and senior members of the firm
• Ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, and meet time sensitive deadlines
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and marketing skills necessary

Benefits:

Medical Insurance

• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Short-term and long-term Disability Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Transportation and Commuting Benefits
• Banking Benefits
• Pet Insurance

Compensation:

The estimated salary range for this role is $71,000 - $92,000, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.

From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To build a company that reflects the communities we serve, we believe that fostering a unique and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed will support our ongoing success. Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.