Founded in Abbeville, LA in 1971, Gulf Coast Bank is known throughout Acadiana for getting to know our customers personally, and understanding their needs, as well as the needs of the community. Gulf Coast Bank has 10 locations across the Acadiana area and employs more than 120 people. As banking has changed through the years, Gulf Coast Bank has stayed on the cutting edge, while never losing sight of what makes our bank special: providing outstanding customer service and maintaining active involvement in the communities we serve.
Position Summary
The Commercial Lender is responsible for developing and maintaining new and existing customer relationships by calling on businesses, professional groups, individuals and existing customers. Solicits new deposit and loan business and referrals that meet established lending requirements and provide maximum profitability to the Bank at minimum risk. Attends to the needs of customers seeking commercial bank loans. Maintains loan portfolio, building relationships, ensures customer satisfaction, timely follow-up on renewals and delinquencies. Maintains customer confidence by keeping information confidential and following all bank policies and guidelines.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Loan Function:

• Interviews loan applicants, collects and analyzes financial and related data to determine the general credit worthiness of the prospect that the merits of the specific loan request.
• Establishes and negotiate terms where necessary under which credit will be extended including the costs, repayment method and schedule and collateral requirements.
• Approves loans within a legal loan limit according to Bank policy. Usually handles complex and substantial department loans.
• Collects and analyzes information that reflects the current creditworthiness of customers and the current merits of existing loans. May obtain information through direct inspection of the applicant's business and/or collateral, review of interim financial reports, personal interview, or other means.
• Reviews commercial loan procedures on a routine basis; recommends any necessary updates or revisions.
• Oversees commercial lending process, ensuring that loan packages are properly filed with appropriate signatures, disclosures, credit authority and supporting documents.
• Develops material for and makes loan presentations to the Loan Review Committee.
• Develops new business by contacting prospects and customers
• Engages in cross-selling bank products and refers customers to other business segments as appropriate
• Follows up on credit referrals from branch managers and business bankers
• Partners with branch staff and customers on preparing proper credit structure and credit packages
• Drives sales activities and fulfills customer needs by effectively leveraging on, coordinating and organizing targeted marketing campaigns, events, and new product launches
• Spends majority of time in the field, on sales appointments, generating leads to new opportunities and closing business
• Responsible for customer satisfaction and retention

Promotes Gulf Coast Bank by:

• Participating in community affairs to increase the Bank's visibility and to enhance new business opportunities
• Develops new business by contacting prospects and customer while cross-selling bank services.
• Maintains an awareness of economic conditions and planned developments within his/her service area that could affect the overall profitability of the Bank
• Participating in Bank sponsored community events

Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills to represent the Bank positively in dealing with new and current customers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; time management and organizational skills
• Must use specialized banking knowledge and personal judgment. In-depth banking, lending, sales and customer service experience required
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs.
• Ability to multi-task and diligently bring issues to a satisfactory closure
• College degree in Finance or Business Administration
• 5 years of lending experience
• 5 years of experience in commercial banking

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation Structure
• Full Medical, Dental, Vision
• Paid Vacation/Sick Leave/Holidays

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.