Associated Bank

Portfolio Manager - AVP - Leveraged Finance

Chicago 525 Monroe Full time

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 an Associate Portfolio Manager in Leveraged Finance, you will support the underwriting and monitoring of higher-leverage commercial credits and assist with the evaluation of new sponsor-backed opportunities. You’ll analyze financial performance, contribute to deal structuring, and help maintain strong credit quality across the portfolio. This role provides hands-on exposure to leveraged transactions, mentorship from senior team members, and opportunities to develop advanced credit skills.

Key Accountabilities

  • Assist in the underwriting and analysis of leveraged and sponsor-backed credit opportunities, reviewing financials, cash flow, and deal structure.

  • Support senior portfolio managers in preparing credit memos, due diligence summaries, and structure recommendations.

  • Monitor an assigned portion of the leveraged finance portfolio, tracking borrower performance, repayment activity, and emerging risks.

  • Collaborate with Relationship Managers, Credit, and Commercial Support teams to respond to client inquiries and ensure smooth deal execution.

  • Identify potential cross-sell opportunities across Treasury Management, Capital Markets, and other bank services.

  • Prepare materials and participate in loan approval discussions, clearly presenting analysis and key considerations.

  • Provide clients and prospects with relevant market insights using bank-approved sources.

  • Represent Associated Bank by participating in community and business events to help strengthen brand presence.

Education & Experience

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent experience

  • 2+ years Commercial, Corporate, CRE, Specialized Banking, or Credit experience

  • 2+ years analyzing financial statements or supporting complex credit decisions

  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred

  • Experience with leveraged lending or sponsor-backed transactions

  • Formal credit training

  • Financial modeling experience

  • Progress toward CFA or similar credential

  • Customer-facing or sales exposure

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Associated Bank, you’ll build your credit expertise while supporting sophisticated leveraged finance transactions and working closely with experienced team members. You’ll gain meaningful exposure to sponsor-backed deals, develop analytical and structuring skills, and grow within a team that values learning and collaboration.

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-focused Colleague Resource Groups. 

  • Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities. 

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

  • Personal banking, loan, investment and 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 is Pay 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.

$72,240.00 - $123,840.00 per year