Chief Lending Officer
Premier Farm Credit | Sterling, ColoradoPosition Overview: The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) leads Premier Farm Credit's lending and marketing functions, driving portfolio growth, exceptional member service, and sound credit quality. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the CLO oversees the Association's lending and marketing operations, including loan origination, servicing, portfolio management, and business development. Working closely with the Chief Credit Officer and Credit Manager, the CLO partners to strengthen lending policies, credit processes, risk management, and staff development to support safe, sound, and constructive lending. This is an opportunity for an experienced lending executive to help shape the strategic direction of a financially strong cooperative while making a lasting impact on agriculture across northeast Colorado.
Key Responsibilities: Strategic Lending Leadership & Portfolio Management
- Lead the Association's lending and business development strategy, driving profitable portfolio growth, strengthening member relationships, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing sales culture.
- Oversee the administration, performance, and quality of the direct loan portfolio, ensuring balanced portfolio assignments and effective utilization of lending staff.
- Partner with the Chief Credit Officer to monitor portfolio performance and continuously improve lending policies, servicing standards, credit controls, and risk management practices.
- Ensure compliance with all Farm Credit Administration regulations and Association policies.
Leadership, Talent Development, and Organizational Effectiveness
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing lending team by establishing clear performance expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and fostering accountability and collaboration.
- Partner with the Credit Manager to optimize credit workflows, support employee development, and ensure strong alignment between lending and credit support teams.
- Provide strategic oversight of lending operations to ensure efficient credit delivery, consistent lending practices, and outstanding service to member-borrowers.
- Contribute as an active member of the Association's executive leadership team by participating in strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and key business decisions.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive lending experience, including significant experience in commercial and/or agricultural lending, with at least five years of leadership or management experience.
- Demonstrated success leading lending teams, driving business growth, managing portfolio quality, and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and influence outcomes across departments.
- Proven leadership, relationship-building, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
- Strong knowledge of agricultural finance, commercial lending practices, credit analysis, loan structuring, and portfolio management.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for serving agriculture and a strong understanding of the production agriculture industries and communities served by the Association.
- High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to the cooperative values of the Farm Credit System.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Association's territory to support employees, customers, and business development activities.
- Must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, the Association's territory or a neighboring community that provides convenient access to the territory.
Why Join Us: - Competitive executive compensation package with a base salary of $195,000 - $240,000 plus an annual team incentive opportunity. Actual compensation is based on qualifications and experience.
- Comprehensive benefit package includes 401(k) with 3% employer contribution and 6% employer match, 21 vacation days, paid sick days, 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Opportunity to help shape the future of a financially strong, member-owned agricultural lending cooperative committed to supporting agriculture and rural communities.
Applications are anticipated to be accepted through February 1, 2027. The application period may be extended to meet recruiting needs or closed earlier if the position is filled. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and completed employment application to Recruiting05@PremierACA.com or mail to:
Premier Farm Credit
PO Box 1785
Sterling, CO 80751
