Portfolio Manager - SVP - Franchise Banking

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.
*** This role supports the growth and quality of Associated Bank’s Franchise Banking portfolio through disciplined underwriting, proactive credit monitoring, and strong client partnership. You’ll evaluate financial performance, recommend credit structures, and help deepen client relationships across franchise operators. This position offers the opportunity to influence portfolio strategy and contribute to a fast‐growing, specialized banking segment.
** What You'll Do:
*** Analyze franchise financial statements to assess creditworthiness, recommend loan structures, and support new and renewal credit requests.
* Manage credit quality across an assigned portfolio, ensuring compliance with bank credit policies and regulatory expectations.
* Monitor borrower performance, repayment activity, and emerging risks, taking action to maintain strong portfolio health.
* Partner with Relationship Managers as a primary credit resource, supporting client conversations and coordinating with internal credit teams.
* Conduct due diligence for new franchise clients and prepare credit memos that clearly outline risks, mitigants, and recommendations.
* Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through referrals to Treasury Management, Wealth Management, and other bank services.
* Participate in loan approval discussions and present credit recommendations as needed.
* Represent the bank in franchise industry events and community activities to strengthen market presence (senior levels).
** Education & Experience*
* ** Required
* ** Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting (or equivalent experience).
* 8+ years in commercial credit, franchise lending, or related underwriting experience.
* Access to reliable transportation and ability to drive as needed.
** Preferred
* ** 4+ years in sales or business development within commercial or franchise banking.
* Experience supporting multi‐unit franchise operators or industry‐specific credit portfolios.
** Why You’ll Love Working Here
** Associated Bank offers a collaborative culture where your expertise directly shapes client outcomes and portfolio performance. You’ll have opportunities to grow within a specialized, expanding banking segment while working with leaders who value development and innovation. Apply today to make an impact in Franchise Banking and advance your career with a strong, relationship‐focused financial institution.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience.
** 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 ,  and .
** Compliance Statement
** Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment…