JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:This role is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and negotiation of loan and lease documentation for a $2 billion portfolio of serialized commercial asset-backed transactions serving middle-market borrowers (revenues of $50M-$2B). This role manages a team of six documentation professionals, streamlines documentation processes, and negotiates with client counsel to facilitate timely and compliant deal closings. This role will leverage expertise in equipment finance, title/closing, and legal practice to ensure documentation accuracy, mitigate legal and operational risks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:- Draft, update, and revise the Equipment Finance group's standard set of loan and lease agreements, ensuring compliance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders (e.g., Credit Officers, Relationship Managers) and external counsel to refine templates for clarity, flexibility, and risk mitigation.
- Maintain a centralized repository of standardized documents to streamline deal execution.
- Provide guidance on complex documentation issues, reducing management burden on the Head of Equipment Finance and Director of Operations.
- Implement processes to improve team efficiency, such as workflows for document review, approval, and tracking.
- Negotiate changes to standard loan and lease documents with client counsel, balancing client needs with the bank's risk and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with deal teams (Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Credit Officers) to ensure documentation aligns with approved credit structures and deal terms.
- Oversee the closing process, coordinating with internal teams and external parties to resolve documentation exceptions and ensure timely execution.
- Review loan and lease agreements for legal accuracy, enforceability, and adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., UCC, state-specific lien laws).
- Monitor compliance with loan covenants and terms during the closing process, flagging potential issues to the deal team.
- Conduct periodic audits of closed transactions to ensure documentation integrity and compliance with bank policy.
- Support the Head of Equipment Finance and Director of Operations on special projects, such as portfolio acquisitions, new product launches, or regulatory audits.
- Provide legal and operational insights during deal structuring, particularly for complex transactions involving atypical commercial assets.
- Assist in training Portfolio Managers and Relationship Managers on documentation standards and closing protocols.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:- Licensed attorney with a strong understanding of commercial finance law, including secured transactions and UCC regulations.
- Proven experience in equipment finance business development, including sales and underwriting, with a track record of managing complex transactions.
- Background in title and closing processes, with expertise in resolving documentation and lien-related issues.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience managing or mentoring teams in high- pressure environments.
- Exceptional negotiation skills, with the ability to balance client demands with bank risk policies.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with proficiency in document management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Credit Officers, Relationship Managers) and external parties (e.g., client counsel).
- Knowledge of equipment finance industry trends and middle-market borrower needs (revenues of $50M-$2B) preferred.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:- Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
- Ability to operate related equipment to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 10 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an "undue hardship" then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.
