Senior Commercial Real Estate Banker

Company: Wintrust Financial
Location: Chicago
Posted on: January 3, 2026

Job Description:

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 (11 years in a row) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years) - Competitive pay and discretionary or incentive 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 - With 200 community bank locations, we offer opportunities to grow and develop in your career - Promote from within culture The Senior Commercial Real Estate Banker is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of commercial real estate clients within the Wintrust footprint. This position provides exceptional service to build and strengthen customer relationships by promoting products and services as appropriate to identify and fulfill customer needs. Responsible for new business development through referral sources and cold calling efforts. The position can work out of Vernon Hills, Lake Forest or Crystal Lake, IL. What You’ll Do: - Responsible for developing new prospects, managing and growing a portfolio of existing commercial real estate relationships. - Experience in variety of real estate transactions including multifamily, retail, industrial, office, self-storage, land development and commercial construction loans. - Experience with maintaining and managing a portfolio, with ability to build relationships with existing and prospective customers focusing on revenue growth, fee income, deposits and cross-selling services - Participation and knowledge within loan syndications and maintaining those relationships - Network with variety of CRE COI’s, investors and attorneys to establish a referral base. - Prepare, review and present credit memos to senior management while maintaining structures within credit guidelines. - Prepare and present deal terms to clients in a timely and accurate manner. - Oversee the review and underwriting of credit requests internally while making recommendations for approval to senior management. - Provide leadership in the development of less experienced commercial real estate lenders and portfolio managers. Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, accounting or equivalent direct banking experience. - Minimum 7 years of credit and commercial real estate lending experience combined - Solid understanding of general credit and risk principles, and banking policies/procedures; formal credit training is preferred - Exceptional written, verbal, negotiation, and presentation skills - Excellent analytical and organization skills with the ability to prioritize workflow Proficient with Microsoft Office - Demonstrate high ethical standards and personal integrity 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 annual salary range for this role is $117,000-$158,000, 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. LI-ONSITE LI-KP1 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.

Keywords: Wintrust Financial, Oak Lawn , Senior Commercial Real Estate Banker, Accounting, Auditing , Chicago, Illinois