Loan Officer

Why Join Northwestern Bank At Northwestern Bank, people matter. For more than 120 years, we have proudly served the greater Chippewa Valley as a locally owned community bank built on strong relationships, genuine care, and a commitment to making a difference. When you join our team, you become part of a supportive, family-friendly culture where employees are known, valued, and empowered to succeed. Our team works together to deliver exceptional customer experiences, forming meaningful connections and helping customers achieve their financial goals every day. Beyond the workplace, we are deeply invested in strengthening our communities through volunteerism, partnerships, and service. At Northwestern Bank, you’ll find rewarding work, supportive teammates, approachable leadership who know you by name, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve. Position Summary In this role, you will develop and manage a portfolio of commercial customers, analyze and structure lending solutions, and build strong relationships through proactive business development and community involvement. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with strong analysis abilities, a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, and a commitment to supporting the communities we serve. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing business relationships and contributing to the Bank’s continued success. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Assists customers with commercial and agricultural loan questions. Explains various loan programs available to customers. Documents all customer contacts made, solutions offered, and time frames established. Primary activity is in commercial or agricultural lending. Collaborates with loan officers who specialize in consumer and real estate lending as customer needs dictate. Interviews and counsels loan applicants. Explains loan options, including rates, types of loan options, and repayment lengths; assists with completing loan application forms; gathers all pertinent information necessary to determine if a loan should be approved; prepares cash flows, calculates key financial ratios, and analyzes loans; appraises or arranges for appraisals of real estate and personal property; verifies customer credit by completing appropriate credit checks and determines if the customer is a good credit risk. Utilizes CreditQuest to perform financial spreading and credit risk analysis for all commercial loan requests. Develops list of prospective customers through existing customers, community contacts, and direct inquiries. Contacts prospective customers to explain products, costs, and advantages of services offered, in person and by phone. Sends additional information on available services and schedules appointments as appropriate. Records and tracks customer contacts on customer database CRM software. Outside face-to-face calling is a must. Provides presentations to prospective customers. Develops relationship proposals in conjunction with management. Approves or declines loans within specified loan limit according to Bank policy. For loans above loan limit, presents loan applications to the Loan Committee for approval. Recommends if loan should be approved. May assemble customer credit packages and send to other agencies for underwriting approval, if required. Prepares appropriate documentation substantiating recommendation. Prepares loan applications in conjunction with Credit Analyst and forwards application to Loan Processors for document preparation. Presents completed loan documents to customers and discusses approval or disapproval of loan and loan terms and conditions with customers. Arranges for closing, if appropriate, and prepares closing statements. Maintains current loan information files. Prepares letters and notices relating to loans. May prepare loan reports for Bank and regulatory authorities, as required. Responsible for collection activities relating to loans. Contacts customers to determine the reason for the past due condition and helps them bring their account current; counsels customers with financial problems to determine alternative courses of action. May prepare notices to cure default, summons or complaints, replevin, voluntary surrenders, docket judgments, request financial disclosures, garnishments, account histories, etc. May attend court hearings when necessary. Works with Senior Lending Officer on delinquent loans outstanding. May assist in selling acquired properties, if necessary. Helps to develop and execute loan workout strategies. Assists other Bank employees with questions and concerns relating to loans disbursed. Informs supervisor of current loan activity. Represents the Bank in various business, trade, charity, civic, and social organizations to support the community and provide for positive public relations. Speaks at community events on appropriate topics as requested. Maintains up-to-date job knowledge through professional reading and affiliation with appropriate industry organizations. Keeps informed on lending issues in banking. Recommends policy changes to supervisor. Monitors assigned loan portfolio including borrower performance, covenant compliance, collateral adequacy, annual reviews, risk rating accuracy, and overall credit quality. Identifies emerging credit concerns and works with customers and management to implement appropriate action plans. Ensures all commercial loan files and documentation strictly comply with regulatory standards, bank policies, and credit requirements prior to closing. Completes training courses in a timely manner as required by Bank. Attends all training as requested by supervisor. Qualifications Four-year college degree in business management, accounting, finance or related area (or equivalent). A minimum of five years lending experience, preferably in commercial and agricultural lending. Strong understanding of complex interest rate computations and federal and state laws regarding bank lending and depository practices. Possess good common sense and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, professional demeanor and appearance, and attention to detail. Ability to maintain confidential customer and Bank information. Operate a computer in a Windows environment for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, internet/intranet and other bank specific software. Utilizes a variety of office equipment including computer, calculator, printer, fax/scanner/copier, and multi-line telephone. Ability to interact professionally with a variety of people, deal effectively with difficult customers, and willingly assume responsibility and solve problems. Perform complex mathematical and financial calculations and compose correspondence and reports. Working Conditions Work is performed largely in a pleasant office environment, with some prolonged sitting and frequent mental and visual concentration for PC usage required. There will be some bending, stooping, and lifting up to 40 pounds on an occasional basis. Travel will be required. Work is generally performed during regular business hours and will average at least 40 hours a week. There is an expectation for a certain level of community involvement which may occur outside of regular Bank hours. What We Offer Competitive pay Generous 401(k) retirement plan Health, dental, and vision insurance Life and long-term disability insurance Incentive bonus program Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time Paid parental leave Well-Rounded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Supportive team environment Opportunities to serve and engage in local communities Northwestern Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wisconsin Bankers Association Inc