Executive Director, Energy and Infrastructure Corporates - Underwriting & Portfolio Management - New York

Country: United States of America

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.  This is more than a strategic shift.  It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

The Executive Director is a senior front-office credit professional responsible for the end-to-end underwriting, structuring, execution, and portfolio management of sponsor-driven infrastructure and energy corporate transactions. The portfolio primarily includes Infrastructure Finance corporate loans and NAV credit facilities supporting energy and infrastructure asset portfolios, with a focus on renewable and energy transition-related sectors.

This role serves as the analytical and credit fiduciary to the deal team, owning the financial analysis, credit narrative, transaction structuring, and risk positioning from origination through post-close management. The successful candidate will be hands-on, with the technical depth to manage complex financial models, translate business drivers into credit outcomes, and shape executable deal structures into concise, high-impact submissions for senior approvers and the 2nd Line of Defense.

The Executive Director partners closely with Infrastructure Sponsors Coverage, Energy Corporate Coverage, and 1LoD product teams, while maintaining a trusted and credible relationship with Risk. The role carries direct accountability for deal execution, portfolio performance, and the development of junior team members.

Underwriting, Structuring & Credit Ownership

• Lead underwriting, structuring, and approval of new transactions, amendments, extensions, upsizes, refinancings, and annual reviews.
• Develop clear, judgment-driven credit recommendations articulating key risks, mitigants, and structural protections.
• Serve as the primary credit owner, accountable for analytical integrity and completeness throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Partner with Coverage to shape transactions and credit narratives that are commercially effective and risk-appropriate.

Financial Analysis & Modeling

• Own and validate transaction financial models, including base, downside, sensitivities, and structural mechanics.
• Translate operating and commercial drivers into financial and credit outcomes that support decision-making.
• Personally review, challenge, and modify models as needed; step in directly where required to ensure quality and delivery.
• Coach and develop junior team members in modeling and analytical approach.

Risk Management, Execution & Leadership

• Manage credit risk post-close through performance monitoring and proactive issue identification.
• Communicate portfolio trends and emerging risks clearly to senior management.
• Act as a trusted counterpart to the 2nd Line of Defense, presenting balanced and transparent credit views.
• Own execution timelines and deliverables; ensure work is completed to standard and on time.
• Lead by example as a senior team member, driving accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (required)
• MBA and/or CFA Charter (preferred)

Experience

• 9–12 years of experience in credit underwriting, structuring, financial analysis, and portfolio management.
• Experience with sponsor-driven transactions and complex corporate credit structures.
• Exposure to infrastructure and/or energy-related credits strongly preferred.
• Prior experience as a primary credit owner for approvals.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of corporate credit fundamentals, regulatory considerations, and risk frameworks.
• Hands-on financial modeling capability with ability to independently manage complex models.
• Ability to synthesize complex analysis into clear, impactful credit narratives.
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner effectively with Coverage and Risk.
• High level of ownership, judgment, and execution discipline.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial modeling tools.

What Success Looks Like

• High-quality, well-structured transactions that are efficiently approved.
• Strong credibility and trust with Risk and Coverage partners.
• Proactive portfolio management with early identification of issues.
• Improved analytical rigor, modeling discipline, and execution across the team.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

$168,750.00 USD$235,000.00 USD

 

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized.  You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers.  Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com) 

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

 

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander 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, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.