Credit Officer

You’re a seasoned credit professional who brings strong analytical judgment and a strategic mindset to lending decisions. You understand how to balance growth and risk, and you are comfortable acting as a trusted advisor to bankers, clients, and leadership. You thrive in complex credit environments and are skilled in structuring sophisticated deals while maintaining portfolio quality. If you’re collaborative, detail-oriented, and passionate about disciplined credit practices, this role is for you.

The Credit Officer role exists to ensure that First Western’s credit practices align with its overall strategic objectives, while maintaining regulatory compliance and portfolio health. The position contributes to First Western by balancing risk and growth opportunity.  It supports client relationship development and business expansion without compromising compliance or portfolio integrity. Additionally, it strengthens organizational capability through training and collaboration, ensuring consistent credit standards and informed credit structuring and decision-making across the bank.

• →Support Bank Growth and Strategic Objectives
  Support First Western’s overall strategic direction and growth plans with informed credit structuring and consultation with bankers, balancing growth with risk.
• →Loan Approval and Portfolio Oversight
  Approve and assist the offices with management of larger, more complex credits within delegated authority.
• →Sales Communication and Credit Structuring
  Define credit appetite for strategic partners, provide structuring guidance, and promote a “Yes IF” mindset to enable growth without compromising compliance.
• →Client Relationship Development
  Participate in client meetings, act as a strategic advisor in negotiations, and help strengthen long-term relationships.
• →Credit Training and Skill Development
  Assist the Senior Credit Officer to identify underwriting and analysis skill gaps and help implement training programs like Shockproof to enhance credit expertise. Helps serve as a mentor to help career pathing for more junior credit approvers.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7–10 years of experience in commercial banking or financial services, with strong focus on credit risk mgt. Proven experience in underwriting complex commercial, real estate, and high-net-worth loans. Experience underwriting complex commercial, real estate, and high-net-worth loans.
• Strong knowledge of credit analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and credit governance frameworks.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive sound credit decisions.

At First Western Trust, we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other’s successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what’s right—always.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email Talent.Management@myfw.com. 

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.