Commercial Loan Officer

Job Title: Commercial Lending Officer Revision Date: January 2024

Reports to: Senior Commercial Lending Officer Supervises: None

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Commercial Lending Officer plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining relationships with business clients as well as other team members, acting as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for business lenders and customers regarding Loan structure, documentation and regulation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Build and maintain relationships with business clients in the community.
• Act as the primary point of contact for business clients and provide personalized financial solutions.
• Analyze the financial needs of business clients and recommend appropriate banking products and services.
• Assist clients in developing financial strategies and plans for their businesses.
• Evaluate credit applications and financial statements to determine the creditworthiness of business clients.
• Make credit recommendations and present them to the credit committee for approval. Create personalized loan structures, including terms, interest rates, and repayment plans, tailored to match borrowers' specific financial requirements while adhering to the bank's lending guidelines. Act as the "lead"/SME in this capacity for the business lending team.
• Strictly follow changing regulations, internal lending policies, and procedural guidelines, staying updated, and keeping other members of the business banking team informed regarding applicable compliance and regulatory changes (in conjunction with the CCO).
• Assist clients in securing business loans, lines of credit, and other financial products.
• Guide clients through the loan application process and ensure all the necessary documentation is submitted.
• Monitor and manage the credit risk associated with the business portfolio.
• Maintain precise, complete, and compliant records of all credit-related activities, including loan agreements, contracts, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and adherence to documentation requirements. Act as a SME in this area to other business bankers.
• Collaborate with the CCO in improving the bank's credit policies and procedures, offering valuable insights and recommendations based on industry best practices to strengthen the credit risk management framework.
• Work with clients to mitigate potential risks and implement risk management strategies.
• Identify opportunities for new client acquisition and develop a network of potential business clients in the community.
• Ensure that all banking activities comply with relevant federal and state regulations.
• Stay up to date with industry changes and regulatory updates.
• Educate clients on various financial products and services available to them.
• Manage Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings and ensure members are regularly contacted and that they are providing valuable referrals and information about the communities we serve.
• Build a collaborative relationship with internal business partners to solidify customer relationships. Leads joint calling efforts as warranted.
• Improve visibility and brand image of the Bank by active participation in community organizations and events.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of business development initiatives.
• Use diverse communication tactics such as targeted mailing, email, telephone calls, in-person meetings, and other strategies to develop COI's and new customers.
• Derive insights to competitor strategies and activities and develop effective counter strategies.
• Prepare and maintain activity reports as required. Particular emphasis on recording activity and key dates in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Comply with all corporate policies, procedures and federal regulations including BSA/AML and OFAC.
Demonstrate knowledge of, and adherence to, EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; values diversity; promotes an environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse business relationship.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct employee training as necessary.
• Serves on Committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field.
• Significant experience in commercial lending.
• Knowledge of commercial lending practices, credit analysis, and financial statement analysis.
• Experience in credit analysis and underwriting in a banking or financial institution, with a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial analysis techniques and credit risk assessment.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal commercial/business banking regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to coach and guide others.
• Sales and business development skills to acquire and retain clients.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
• Customer-focused mindset and dedication to providing exceptional service.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Dexterity and eye/hand coordination to operate office equipment.
• Ability to speak to and hear customers and other employees on the telephone and in person.
• Body and motor skills sufficient to move from one office location to another.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Self-sufficiency in approach to work and excellent prioritization and planning skills.
• Ability to manage complex assignments independently while also working effectively as part of the team.
• Ability to work in an accurate and organized manner to effectively manage related-job pressures and deadlines.