Senior Commercial Lender

Senior Commercial Lender

Commercial | Lending

Reports to: Chief Lending Officer

Exempt| Vice President

Summary of the Role

The 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.

Why Join Us

At our Bank, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. As a Senior Commercial Lender, you will play a critical leadership role in driving commercial growth, supporting local businesses, and helping shape the Bank's lending strategy. We offer a collaborative culture, meaningful work, professional development opportunities, and the ability to make a lasting impact within the communities we serve.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.