OPT Underwriting Manager Jobs
Underwriting Manager jobs on OPT require specialty occupation standing, which insurance and risk management roles consistently meet through their degree-specific analytical demands. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to land a role and secure H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout the Role:
Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
About the Role:
Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
See all 41+ OPT Underwriting Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Underwriting Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Underwriting Manager
Target insurers with established H-1B track records
Large carriers like Chubb, Travelers, and Zurich file H-1B visa petitions regularly for underwriting roles. Prioritizing employers with a documented sponsorship history significantly reduces the risk of reaching OPT expiration without a clear visa transition path.
Position your degree as the specialty occupation anchor
Underwriting Manager roles require finance, actuarial science, economics, or risk management degrees to meet specialty occupation standards. Lead with your field of study in your resume and cover letter to make the H-1B eligibility case immediately obvious to hiring managers.
Raise sponsorship early in the process
Ask about sponsorship willingness in the second or third conversation, before an offer is extended. Framing it as a practical planning question rather than a demand keeps the conversation professional and helps you avoid investing weeks in a process that won't lead anywhere.
Quantify your underwriting impact with hard numbers
Hiring managers in this field respond to measurable outcomes. Loss ratio improvements, premium volume managed, and portfolio growth figures all demonstrate the analytical rigor underwriting leaders expect and strengthen your candidacy against domestic applicants for sponsored positions.
Know your OPT end date and plan around the H-1B timeline
H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before October 1, you need a cap-gap bridge. Mapping your OPT end date against the H-1B calendar before you start applying helps you filter for realistic sponsorship scenarios.
Pursue CPCU or ARe designations to strengthen your profile
The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Reinsurance credentials signal serious professional commitment. Employers weighing the cost and effort of H-1B sponsorship respond well to candidates who have invested in industry credentials beyond their degree requirements.
Underwriting Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Underwriting Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Underwriting Manager positions consistently qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as finance, actuarial science, economics, or risk management. The analytical and technical demands of the role, including portfolio assessment, risk modeling, and team oversight, support the specialty occupation determination USCIS applies when reviewing H-1B petitions.
Can I work as an Underwriting Manager on OPT without my employer having sponsored anyone before?
You can work for any employer on OPT, including those with no prior sponsorship history. The challenge arises when you need H-1B sponsorship before your OPT expires. Employers unfamiliar with the process often face longer timelines and higher legal costs, which can create uncertainty. Searching on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers who have sponsored underwriting roles before, reducing that uncertainty significantly.
Does an actuarial science or risk management degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension in underwriting roles?
It depends on your specific degree program, not the job title. Actuarial science and certain quantitative finance programs are on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualify for the 24-month extension. A general business or management degree typically does not. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the official DHS list to confirm eligibility before counting on the extra time.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from a staff underwriter role to an Underwriting Manager position mid-OPT?
OPT authorization is tied to your degree field and employer, not your specific job title. As long as the Underwriting Manager role is directly related to your degree program, the promotion or title change does not require a new OPT application. You should update your SEVP portal through your DSO to reflect the new position and confirm the role still qualifies under your authorized employment category.
How far in advance should I start looking for Underwriting Manager jobs on OPT?
Start at least six months before your OPT start date or current employment ends. Underwriting Manager roles involve multiple interview rounds including technical case studies and panel interviews with senior leadership, which extends the hiring timeline beyond entry-level positions. The H-1B filing window adds further urgency if you need sponsorship by October 1. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to gauge which employers are actively hiring and sponsoring.