VP - Small Business Banking & Lending - Chatsworth

VP, Small Business Banking & Lending

The VP, Small Business Banking & Lending will join a dynamic team to build our small business banking and lending capabilities and build a team of Business banking professionals. This dynamic and results-oriented role will shape the function and team, requiring a strategic professional with deep expertise in business banking, sales management, and credit knowledge.

This role is responsible for growth in Business Banking by driving sales, managing risk, and delivering exceptional client experience within the small business segment. This includes achieving the team's sales and revenue goals, ensuring the delivery of a full range of banking services, managing team resources, setting a standard for risk and control, and engaging in short- to medium-term strategic planning. This team will continue Premier America’s focus on developing and expand relationships with our member owners within our communities and help them meet their financial goals.

Essential Duties:

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build and manage a team of Small Business Bankers, overseeing recruitment and ongoing performance management.
• Develop the skills and competencies of the team through active coaching, regular performance reviews, and professional growth plans.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture that is focused on achieving business goals and delivering superior member experience.
• Identify and cultivate high-potential Team Members to build a strong talent pipeline for future leadership roles within the bank.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and leader.

Sales & Business Development:

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets, profitability, and market growth for the small business division.
• Drive new client acquisition through proactive prospecting, outside calling, and developing a strong network of internal and external referral sources.
• Deepen existing client relationships by understanding their financial needs and connecting them with the full range of the bank's products and services, including credit, treasury management, and digital banking solutions.
• Represent Premier America in the community by participating in civic and networking events to enhance brand visibility and generate new business opportunities.
• Lead strategic business activations to win new business

Sales and Risk Management:

• Implement and execute a disciplined sales management process, including pipeline management, coaching, and performance tracking to ensure accountability for results.
• Manage and control risk, expenses, and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to all policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
• Oversee the credit process, assisting with credit appeals, and ensuring that all lending activities meet profitability targets and risk-management standards.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding its clients and assets.

Operational Excellence:

• Develop and maintain consistent management routines to drive results, share best practices, and keep the team focused on key business priorities.
• Ensure the delivery of an exceptional client experience by monitoring service levels, resolving member issues promptly, and championing member advocacy.
• Maintain expert knowledge of the small business market, including local economic trends, competitive landscape, and customer challenges and opportunities.

Collaboration:

• Champion cross-business collaboration, ensuring the organization leverages the full breadth of Premier America’s capabilities to deliver a differentiated and comprehensive value proposition to members.
• Establish strong strategic partnerships with other leaders to identify, prioritize, and activate high-value cross-business referral opportunities that accelerate growth and deepen member engagement.
• Partner with Retail Branch Managers to translate Business Banking strategies into effective, scalable execution through Branch Teams, reinforcing alignment, operational discipline, and strategic focus.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of related business experience, including 5+ years in sales management and 5+ years in business banking.
• Portfolio Management: Proven ability to manage a portfolio of business clients with annual revenues ranging from $1M to $10M.
• Market Presence: Established professional network within the local market.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial solutions clearly.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Sales Acumen: Strong business development, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Credit & Financial Analysis: Deep understanding of business credit, underwriting, and risk management.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build and maintain long-term, profitable relationships with clients and partners.
• Strategic Thinking: Skilled at analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and developing effective business strategies.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA or relevant graduate degree is preferred.

Compensation:

Base pay compensation range is: 150 – 225K annually.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Veteran / Disabled