Innovation Leadership Program (iLead) – Northern California – Sponsor Finance

This eighteen-month rotational program gives participants the opportunity to further build their business skills and develop an innovation mindset at a fast-growing company. Program participants will become the trailblazers in their functions, working on projects that will shape the future of Western Alliance Bank. Participants will gain high-impact experience, accelerate their careers as innovation leaders, build their professional network and interact closely with senior executives. 

The Sponsor Finance team is focused on bringing on and retaining Sponsor backed businesses to bank with Western Alliance Bank, providing them with the capital they need to operate and grow their businesses and helping them with their Cash Management needs. Our team is tasked with identifying and evaluating new opportunities nationally and working with businesses to understanding their financing needs so we can properly structure credit facilities to meet those objectives.

The Rotations for Sponsor Finance are:

Rotation 1: Sponsor Finance Credit Underwriting is primarily responsible for underwriting complex leverage transactions, including the financing of LBOs/acquisitions. The majority of the underwriter’s time will be balanced between analysis of clients and prospects, design and execution of deals, and joint calls with RMs to provide counsel and advice.  The underwriter will partner with the RMs to assist in generating revenue and profitability.

Rotation 2: Sponsor Finance Credit Officer, primary responsible for the analysis, advice and decision making of tailored lending transactions for the Sponsor Finance Group. The Credit Officer supports the business line in their success while safeguarding the risk appetite of the bank. The Credit Officer develops a deep understanding of credit structuring, credit risk and businesses & markets, next to the assessment of related risks like ESG, compliance and climate risk. In addition to the credit approval process, the Credit Officer manages their portfolio and advice senior management on the strategic direction in terms of risk appetite and portfolio steering in sectors and products.

Rotation 3: Sponsor Finance Sales and Marketing Associate is responsible for driving sales and marketing initiatives to promote the bank’s products and services, attract new customers, and retain existing clients. This role-plays a crucial part in developing and executing effective sales and marketing strategies to achieve business growth and meet revenue targets. Build and maintain relationships with clients, understanding their financial needs and recommending appropriate solutions. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute strategic marketing plans. Utilize various marketing channels, including digital platforms, social media, email marketing, and traditional advertising methods.

• MBA or master’s degree in a related field completed in the last three years and before the start of the program.
• Job experience of two to five years related experience in: banking or financial services, loan underwriting and structuring, project management, data analysis, risk management, or client facing sales and service roles (including leadership).
• History of acting as a change agent and taking calculated risks.
• Desire to innovate, disrupt and improve.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Demonstrated leadership, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel and PowerPoint) and other presentation tools.
• Ability to work both independently and on cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable with working in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse stakeholders.