Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Credit Risk & Approval Officer that approves, monitors and manages the credit exposure within the Corporate & Investment Banking Commercial Real Estate ("CRE") portfolios with specific emphasis in the data center and related digital infrastructure sector. Learn more about our career areas and business divisions at wellsfargojobs.com
In this role, you will:
- Partner with senior line of business and Credit Risk managers to develop appropriate business strategies and targets for the business unit and provide leadership toward the implementation of the strategy.
- Provide a commercial approach to the business, balancing market realities with appropriate risk management.
- Maintain appropriate credit discipline and portfolio health through proper, timely and thoughtful credit risk decisions, recommendations, and approvals.
- Identify and manage portfolio trends, portfolio risks and concentrations.
- Ensure timely and accurate approvals, portfolio monitoring and reporting, risk rating grading changes, problem loan management, including non-accrual and loss identification and forecasting.
- Assist the relationship and portfolio management teams in providing clear and concise recommendations and analysis for complex loan transactions of large scale for distribution up the approval chain.
- Assist and support business units in their efforts to prepare for and achieve satisfactory exams from internal and external regulatory audits.
- Reinforce Wells Fargo's strong credit culture and strengthen team member engagement across the business and Credit Risk organization.
- Play an active role in knowing and supporting the customer by attending customer meetings.
- Develop an expertise in the markets covered by actively participating in internal and external groups to increase knowledge in covered sectors, including financing markets that are commonly accessed by clients.
- Engage and influence stakeholders, internal partners, and peers associated with analyzing new business products and prospects
- Develop and guide a culture of talent development to meet business objectives and strategy
- 10+ years of Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
- A BS/BA degree or higher in accounting, finance, or economics
- Proven knowledge of commercial real estate and capital markets with specific emphasis in project finance, construction finance, digital infrastructure (including hyperscale and colocation sectors) in either a front line or second line capacity.
- Demonstrated experience approving or overseeing large, complex lending facilities with substantial commitments and lead underwriter/arranger status.
- Strong credit analysis skills and consistent success in making sound business and credit decisions.
- Experience with complex organizational and capital structures. Solid understanding of capital markets and acquisition finance.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to effectively partner and influence at the executive level.
- Ability to work and influence successfully within a matrix environment and build effective business partnerships with all levels of team members.
- Strong understanding of loan documentation, credit agreements, and security structures.
- Consistent ability to ensure team member alignment with business strategies and risk appetite.
- Demonstrated success making deals and building relationships.
- 550 S. Tryon Street - Charlotte, North Carolina
- 1445 Ross Ave - Dallas, TX
- 1700 K St. NW - Washington, DC
- 10 S. Wacker Drive - Chicago, IL
- Required location(s) listed above. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
- This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.
- This position is subject to FINRA Background Screening Requirements, including successful completion and clearing of a background check. Internal transfers are subject to comply with 17 CFR 240.17f-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and FINRA Bylaws, Article III, Section 3, which states that Associated Persons should not be subject to statutory disqualification. Successful candidates must also meet ongoing regulatory requirements including additional screening and are required to report certain incidents.
- 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.
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.
$250,000.00 - $420,000.00
Benefits
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
10 Aug 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.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent experience
- Work must be performed from one of the listed office locations (Charlotte, Dallas, Washington DC, Chicago)
- Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship (must be authorized to work without sponsorship)
- Successful completion and clearing of FINRA background screening requirements
- Proven knowledge of commercial real estate and capital markets, including project and construction finance and digital infrastructure (desired sector expertise)
- Experience approving or overseeing large, complex lending facilities and acting as lead underwriter/arranger
- Strong credit analysis skills and ability to make sound business and credit decisions
- Understanding of loan documentation, credit agreements, security structures, and complex capital/organizational structures
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder influence skills; ability to operate in a matrix environment
- BS/BA in accounting, finance, or economics (or higher)
Wells Fargo Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage begins on day one with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options, and the company subsidizes a substantial share of premiums for U.S. employees (varying by compensation band).
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Retirement Support — A robust 401(k) program includes an employer match for eligible employees, with specifics laid out in plan materials and filings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave extends up to 16 weeks for eligible primary caregivers, alongside fertility coverage, adoption/surrogacy reimbursement, and lactation support.
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