Essential Functions and Purpose:The Sr. Specialty Closing Officer is responsible for leading the closing process for complex SBA loan transactions while providing day-to-day leadership, oversight, and technical guidance to the Closing Department. This role serves as the department's subject matter expert for specialty lending transactions, including franchise startups, construction and build-out projects, multi-disbursement loan structures, business acquisitions, and other complex SBA lending scenarios.
The Sr. Specialty Closing Officer ensures all transactions are closed in compliance with SBA SOP requirements, internal credit policy, eligibility standards, closing procedures, and regulatory guidelines. The role supervises Specialty Closing Officers, monitors departmental workflow and production, drives process improvement initiatives, and serves as the primary escalation point for complex closing and funding matters.
Principal Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management- Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and oversight to the Closing Department.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop Closing Officers and support staff.
- Serve as the department's primary resource for complex SBA closing and eligibility matters.
- Review and approve high-risk or complex transactions prior to funding.
- Monitor team performance, pipeline management, and service-level expectations.
- Conduct quality reviews and provide coaching to maintain closing accuracy and compliance.
- Assist management with staffing, training, performance evaluations, and departmental initiatives.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and customer experience.
- Ensure consistent application of SBA SOPs, credit policy, and closing standards across the department.
Loan Closing & Documentation- Lead the closing of complex SBA transactions from approval through funding.
- Review SBA Terms and Conditions, credit memorandums, underwriting analyses, and closing conditions to ensure eligibility and compliance.
- Prepare and review loan documents, including Notes, Guarantees, Security Instruments, UCC filings, Compliance Agreements, and SBA-required forms utilizing LaserPro and other systems.
- Verify proper execution and completeness of all loan documentation.
- Review settlement statements, escrow instructions, title commitments, and wire requests for accuracy.
- Ensure all conditions precedent to funding are satisfied and properly documented.
- Manage escalated transactions requiring specialized SBA knowledge or exception analysis.
Specialty Lending & Project-Based Transactions- Lead and oversee franchise startup, expansion, remodel, and multi-unit development transactions.
- Review franchise agreements, franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), franchisor approval requirements, development schedules, and project budgets.
- Ensure compliance with SBA franchise requirements, affiliation rules, eligibility standards, and franchise-specific documentation.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with franchisors and franchise development teams.
- Oversee construction and tenant improvement loan closings involving phased disbursements and holdbacks.
- Review construction contracts, contractor proposals, budgets, permits, draw schedules, and insurance documentation.
- Validate contractor licensing, insurance, and eligibility requirements.
- Coordinate and monitor project funding milestones and disbursement activities.
- Review and approve draw requests, inspection reports, invoices, lien releases, and change orders.
- Manage risks related to construction delays, cost overruns, contractor performance, and project budget variances.
- Ensure proper administration of escrow holdbacks, retainage requirements, and project-based funding structures.
- Provide guidance on complex acquisition, change-of-ownership, expansion, and partner buyout transactions.
Compliance & SBA SOP Adherence- Ensure all loans comply with current SBA SOP requirements, program eligibility standards, and internal lending policies.
- Validate use of proceeds, equity injection, collateral requirements, franchise eligibility, and ownership documentation.
- Review borrower and guarantor compliance with OFAC, Flood, Environmental, KYC, and BSA requirements.
- Verify proper completion of SBA forms, including but not limited to Forms 1919, 1920, 159, and required character or eligibility documentation.
- Maintain documentation supporting all funding decisions, approvals, and closing actions.
- Partner with Compliance, Credit, and Servicing teams to resolve complex regulatory matters.
- Ensure audit-ready loan files and support SBA reviews, examinations, and internal audits.
Coordination & Communication- Serve as the primary escalation point for borrowers, brokers, attorneys, title companies, escrow officers, franchisors, contractors, disbursement agents, underwriters, and internal stakeholders.
- Communicate complex requirements, timelines, risks, and documentation needs clearly and effectively.
- Coordinate closely with Underwriting, Credit, Servicing, Construction Management, and Post-Closing teams.
- Facilitate communication among borrowers, franchisors, contractors, architects, inspectors, title companies, and funding agents.
- Escalate critical issues and recommend solutions to management.
Pipeline & Workflow Management- Manage a pipeline of high-complexity SBA closing transactions while overseeing overall departmental workflow.
- Monitor closing timelines, funding deadlines, and SBA eligibility windows.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective action plans.
- Allocate workloads and resources to maintain departmental efficiency.
- Track production metrics, turnaround times, and service levels.
- Ensure timely funding and successful handoff to servicing and post-closing departments.
Quality Assurance & Training- Perform quality-control reviews of loan files prior to funding.
- Develop and deliver ongoing closing, compliance, and SBA SOP training.
- Maintain current knowledge of SBA SOP updates, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
- Create and update closing procedures, checklists, and job aids.
- Support internal quality assurance initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
- Serve as a key participant during SBA audits, reviews, and examinations.
Required Qualifications:- 10+ years of SBA loan closing experience, including advanced experience with complex SBA 7(a) transactions; SBA 504 experience preferred.
- Minimum 3+ years of leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience within SBA lending, closing, underwriting, or operations.
- Advanced knowledge of SBA SOP requirements, eligibility rules, loan authorization requirements, and closing procedures.
- Significant experience closing franchise, construction, multi-disbursement, acquisition, change-of-ownership, and other specialty lending transactions.
- Strong understanding of title, escrow, collateral perfection, lien filing requirements, and legal loan documentation.
- Experience utilizing LaserPro and SBA lending systems.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority transactions and competing deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop staff, and drive operational excellence.
Compensation:- Base Salary: $95,000-$115,000/year (based on experience and qualifications)
- Plus Bonus Incentive
- Full-time position
Physical Requirements: - Must be able to pass post offer drug test and background check
Benefits Velocity Vehicle Group Offers: - Fantastic Culture
- 401k + match
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance + HSA & FSA
- Employer paid Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation Days
- Sick Leave
- Company perks such as employee discounts, company events and training programs
- Excellent Training and Career Advancement Opportunities
