Senior Commercial LenderCommercial | Lending
Reports to: Chief Lending Officer
Exempt| Vice PresidentSummary of the RoleThe Senior Commercial Lender is responsible for developing, originating, underwriting, and managing a complex portfolio of commercial lending relationships. This senior-level position serves as a trusted advisor to business clients, provides leadership and mentoring to lending and branch staff, and supports strategic growth initiatives through business development, portfolio management, and sound credit decision-making. The Senior Commercial Lender exercises significant independent judgment. Manages larger and more complex credit relationships and serves as a resource for advanced lending matters across the Bank.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, cultivate, and maintain a portfolio of commercial banking relationships through proactive business development, networking, referrals, and community engagement.
- Originate, structure, negotiate, and manage complex commercial credit facilities, including commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, SBA, construction, and other business lending products.
- Identify new business opportunities and expand existing client relationships through consultative selling and cross-selling of Bank products and services.
- Interview prospective borrowers, evaluate financing needs, and develop customized credit solutions that meet customer objectives while maintaining acceptable risk standards.
- Analyze complex financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, collateral structures, and industry trends to assess creditworthiness and risk exposure.
- Prepare and present complex credit requests and recommendations to senior management and loan committees as required.
- Serve as Relationship Manager and Account Officer for high-value and complex commercial relationships, providing ongoing portfolio management and strategic financial guidance.
- Monitor loan portfolio quality, covenant compliance, collateral adequacy, and customer performance to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
- Partner with Branch Managers, Retail Banking teams, and other business units to generate referrals, conduct joint customer calls, and strengthen client relationships.
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to Commercial Lenders, Credit Analysts, Branch Managers, and other team members on lending, credit, and business development matters.
- Assist management in the development and execution of commercial lending strategies, business plans, and portfolio growth initiatives.
- Review, approval, and disposition overdrafts within established authority levels and Bank policies.
- Prepare and maintain reports related to lending production, portfolio performance, pipeline management, community involvement, and business development activities.
- Stay current on economic trends, market conditions, regulatory changes, and competitive developments affecting commercial banking and lending.
- Represent the Bank in professional, civic, and community organizations to promote business development opportunities and enhance the Bank's visibility.
- Serve as a resource for complex credit structures, loan workouts, risk management matters, and regulatory compliance issues.
- Ensure compliance with all Bank policies, lending guidelines, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Participate in training, professional development, and industry programs to maintain advanced lending expertise.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
Skills- Advanced commercial lending and relationship management expertise
- Strong credit underwriting and financial analysis skills
- Commercial real estate and SBA lending knowledge
- Strategic business development and portfolio growth capabilities
- Complex loan structuring and negotiation skills
- Leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities
- Sound risk assessment and credit decision-making skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to influence and collaborate across departments
- Customer-focused relationship-building skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive commercial lending, credit underwriting, and relationship management experience.
- Demonstrated success managing a substantial commercial loan portfolio and achieving business development goals.
- Extensive experience with commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and SBA lending.
- Strong knowledge of credit risk assessment, financial statement analysis, loan structuring, and regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to originate, negotiate, and manage complex lending relationships.
- Experience presenting credit requests and recommendations to senior management and loan committees.
- Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the Bank's market area.
- Availability to attend customer meetings, networking functions, community events, and business development activities outside of normal business hours as needed.
- Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements- Primarily office-based role requiring prolonged sitting and computer use.
- Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.
- Frequent visual focus and extended periods of computer screen use.
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and light lifting of up to 20 pounds.
- Regular travel within the Bank's market area to meet with customers, participate in business development activities, attend community events, and visit branch locations.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, video conference, and through written correspondence.
