Chief Credit Officer

Description

 JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Credit Officer (CCO) is a vital executive leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s credit operations while ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory compliance. 

This role focuses on managing all credit functions, including underwriting, loan reviews, credit software utilization, stress testing, and risk management—particularly credit concentration risks. The CCO collaborates with the Chief Lending Officer to evaluate the financial health of credit applicants and develops, implements, and monitors credit policies and procedures. Oversight extends to collections, problem loans, overdrafts, and OREO management, ensuring compliance with all banking laws and regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Leadership and Team Management

• Oversee and mentor the Chief Underwriting Officer, Collections      Manager, and Credit Administrator, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Guide direct reports to optimize performance,      collaboration, and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment within the credit department.
• Offer training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.

Credit Risk and Portfolio Management

• Monitor credit portfolios and conduct risk assessments to mitigate potential losses.
• Provide independent assessment of the loan portfolio's quality,      identifying strengths and weaknesses at the loan, industry, or lender level.
• Oversee credit risk management, including concentration levels and compliance with policies.
• Ensure processes such as Financial Statement and Tax Return      Tracking, Borrowing Base Compliance, and Loan Covenant Monitoring are up to date.
• Ensure adequacy of ACL (Allowance for Credit Losses) through collaboration with the Accounting department and CLO on CECL (Current Expected Credit Loss) analysis.

Policy Development and Compliance

• Establish and refine credit policies, procedures, and standards to ensure efficiency, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the bank's lending policies and collaborate with the CLO on updates or changes.
• Comply with BSA requirements and ensure completion of proper documentation.
• Stay abreast of regulations and legislative changes affecting credit or loan areas.

Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute the organization’s credit strategy, aligning it with market trends and corporate goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Act as the primary credit risk advisor to the executive team and board, presenting insights, recommendations, and performance updates.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and financial partners, to maintain trust and compliance.

Operational Oversight and Support

• Assist with external loan reviews, audits, and examinations.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to lending officers, enhancing credit underwriting standards.
• Work with Loan Operations personnel to coordinate activities effectively.
• Support the preparation and presentation of lending and credit reports for board meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environment: This position is primarily office-based, with no regular remote work. Some travel may be required to attend meetings, training, or regulatory engagements. 
• Schedule: This full-time role generally requires availability during standard business hours. Flexibility may be needed for special projects, deadlines, or board meetings.
• Physical Demands: This role is largely sedentary but may involve light physical activity, such as moving files or setting up for meetings. 
• Stress Levels: The CCO will frequently work under tight deadlines and must manage high-pressure situations, including regulatory reviews, credit risk assessments, and decision-making on critical matters.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field (advanced degree such as an MBA or CFA preferred).
• Extensive experience (10 YEARS) in credit administration, underwriting, risk management, or related banking roles. 
• Leadership experience managing credit teams preferred.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of credit analysis, underwriting standards, and risk assessment tools.
• Proficient in financial software and analytics tools used in banking operations.
• Deep understanding of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management frameworks.
• Ability to develop and implement credit strategies aligned with business goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Commitment to ethical standards and transparency in credit decisions.
• Exceptional judgment in balancing risk and growth within credit operations.

At FNB our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities that we serve. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline or discharge, will be based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We are a VEVRAA federal contractor.