Commercial Lending Officer

The Commercial Lending Officer is responsible for soliciting, negotiating, underwriting and coordinating the closing of complex consumer, residential, equipment, SBA, construction, commercial building and business loans in compliance with the Bank’s lending policies and procedures. This position will be focused on developing the bank’s C&I portfolio; develops business checking and deposit relationships with customers; and promotes business for the Bank by maintaining good customer relations and referring customers to appropriate staff for new services.  The position of Commercial Lending Officer assists in attaining established Bank, region and branch goals through active participation in sales management and officer call programs, and is expected to provide leadership, training and support to less experienced loan officers and other staff members.  

 Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations.

1. Manages a portfolio of clients as well as engages in business development activities and solicitation of new business.

2. Thinks like businesspeople and builds winning relationships with existing clients as well as prospects and business owners in our community. Serve as a valued advisor to the client by developing a comprehensive product offering customized to their banking/lending needs. Partner with Branch Managers to enhance the client relationship.

3. Interviews prospective applicants and requests specified information related to loan or credit application. Performs pre-qualification assessment and analysis of financial condition and risk of financing requests within framework of Bank credit culture and current economic and industry trends.

4. Gathers and analyzes all information necessary to present a financing request to Senior Management or Loan Committee for approval; meets with existing or potential customers; visiting sites of loans; negotiates loan terms and conditions; refers and recommends acceptance to the Loan Committee.

5. Coordinates processing of approved loans.

6. Represents the Bank in various community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to further enhance the Bank’s image and develop additional business; assists the Bank in establishing and maintaining market position in the financing arena.

7. Cross sells the Bank’s other products and services, referring customers to appropriate staff as indicated. Works closely with Branch Managers to enhance client relationship with the Bank.

8. Assists in meeting annual deposit and loan growth goals assigned by senior management; participates in various internal committees assigned by senior management.

9. Assists Senior Management with developing, analyzing and finalizing complex loan agreements with representatives of large businesses.

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) or equivalent from a college or university; 10 or more years of related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Work related experience should consist of a financial analyzing or lending background. Educational experience, through in-house training sessions, formal school or financial industry related curriculum, should be business or financial industry related.
• Advanced experience, knowledge and training in financial statement and tax return analysis typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis or related areas.
• Advanced experience, knowledge and training in all lending activities and terminology.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial, construction, real estate and consumer loan processing.
• Advanced knowledge of related state and federal lending and compliance regulations, and other Bank lending policies.
• Intermediate skills in computer terminal and personal computer operation; mainframe computer system; word processing, Excel spreadsheets and specialty software programs.
• Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive while performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
• The ability to fluently speak and write in a second language, such as Spanish, is preferred.