SVP C&I Commercial Lending Sales Team Leader

Purpose of the Position

The Team Leader, Commercial Lending is responsible for leading a team of Commercial Relationship Managers while driving commercial banking growth throughout Central New Jersey. This individual serves as both a player and coach, providing leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction to lenders while maintaining an active commercial portfolio and developing new business opportunities.

The Team Leader partners closely with Credit, Treasury Management, Retail Banking, and other internal stakeholders to deliver comprehensive banking solutions, deepen client relationships, and expand regional banks presence within the market. The role is accountable for team performance, portfolio quality, business development efforts, and adherence to Bank policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Commercial Relationship Managers to achieve production, portfolio growth, and credit quality objectives.
• Provide ongoing guidance regarding commercial lending practices, underwriting standards, credit structuring, and relationship management strategies.
• Assist lenders with complex transactions, credit presentations, business development opportunities, and problem loan resolution.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture focused on client service, accountability, and professional development.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning for team members.
• Exercise managerial authority including performance evaluations, coaching, development planning, and compensation recommendations.

Business Development & Market Growth

• Drive commercial banking growth throughout Central New Jersey by identifying new market opportunities and developing strategic referral networks.
• Maintain an active calling program targeting middle-market companies, commercial real estate investors, business owners, and professional centers of influence.
• Develop new commercial relationships while expanding existing client relationships through consultative conversations and needs-based solutions.
• Partner with Retail Banking, Treasury Management, Wealth Management, and other business lines to deliver comprehensive banking solutions and generate referrals.
• Represent Confidential within the business community through networking events, industry associations, civic organizations, and community involvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the team's business development activities, ensuring consistent market coverage and pipeline management.

Portfolio Management & Credit Administration

• Manage a portfolio of commercial clients and maintain responsibility for portfolio growth, asset quality, deposit growth, and profitability objectives.
• Review and evaluate commercial credit requests, financial statements, cash flow analyses, collateral structures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure lending activities are consistent with Bank credit policy, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identifying potential risks and recommending corrective actions when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with Credit Administration to structure transactions that appropriately balance client needs and risk management objectives.
• Support lenders in underwriting, loan presentations, annual reviews, renewals, and portfolio monitoring activities.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain current knowledge of commercial lending regulations, credit policy, and industry trends.
• Ensure all lending activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Promote sound risk management practices and strong credit discipline across the team.

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics or Business-related field.
• Minimum 10-12+ years of commercial lending experience with demonstrated success in business development, portfolio management, and credit analysis.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership, supervisory, or team mentoring experience within commercial banking.
• Demonstrated ability to develop new business relationships and grow market share.
• Strong understanding of credit underwriting, financial statement analysis, loan structuring, and portfolio management.
• Excellent sales, relationship management, negotiation, and networking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with clients, prospects, senior management, and business partners.
• Proficiency with commercial banking technology platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established commercial banking network within South and/or Central New Jersey.
• Experience leading lenders in a growth-oriented commercial banking environment.