Portfolio Manager - VP - Leveraged Finance

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires.

Role Summary

As a VP Leveraged Finance Portfolio Manager, you will manage a portfolio of higher-leverage commercial credits and support the analysis of new sponsor-backed opportunities. You'll underwrite complex transactions, contribute to deal structuring, and strengthen client and private equity relationships while maintaining strong credit discipline. This role offers exposure to sophisticated deal structures, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to influence portfolio strategy as you grow.

Key Accountabilities

Support the underwriting and structuring of new leveraged and sponsor-backed credit opportunities, evaluating capital structure, cash flow, and deal rationale.

Analyze complex financial statements, models, and private equity strategies to assess risk and recommend terms and structures.

Manage an active leveraged finance portfolio, ensuring credit quality, compliance with policy, and proactive mitigation of emerging risks.

Partner with Relationship Managers and internal teams as a key client contact, coordinating with Credit, Commercial Support, and Capital Markets to execute transactions.

Expand existing client and sponsor relationships by identifying cross-sell opportunities across Treasury Management, Capital Markets, and other business lines.

Present credit recommendations and structure proposals in the loan approval process, articulating risk, mitigants, and deal strategy.

Provide financial and market insights to clients and prospects, sharing relevant trends in leveraged lending and the broader business environment.

Represent Associated Bank within the community by participating in business functions, developing referral networks, and supporting a positive market presence.

Education & Experience

Required

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent experience

4+ years Commercial, Corporate, CRE, Specialized Banking, or Credit experience

4+ years managing or underwriting complex credits

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred

Experience with leveraged lending or sponsor-backed transactions

Formal credit training

Sales experience

CFA designation

Strong financial modeling skills

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Associated Bank, you'll work on sophisticated leveraged transactions while collaborating closely with private equity sponsors and internal partners. You'll build deep credit expertise, influence deal structures, and drive meaningful growth for both clients and the bank. Apply today to make an impact.

In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life.

Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans.

Paid time off to volunteer in your community.

Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focusedColleague Resource Groups.

Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities.

Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave,anemployee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.

Personal banking, loan, investmentand insurance benefits.

Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest.Join our community on Facebook , LinkedIn and X .

Compliance Statement

Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors.

Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR.

Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank's anonymous Ethics Hotline.

Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact leavesandaccommodations@associatedbank.com if you need an accommodation at any time during the process.

Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice English or Spanish . Know Your Right to Work English or Spanish .

Associated Bank isPay Transparency compliant.

The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role.

$86,380.00 - $148,080.00 per year