CRE Loan Closing Specialist - Senior

Description Summary: The CRE Loan Closing Specialist Sr. is responsible for initiating and driving the loan closing process, ensuring integrity of the loan closing, due diligence, and documentation while managing and expediting complex and concurrent processes and organizing all necessary documentation to finalize complex Commercial Real Estate loan transactions. The CRE Loan Closing Specialist Sr. ensures accuracy, compliance with regulations, and coordinates activities, decisions, and communications with various parties involved, such as lenders, borrowers, legal teams and other third parties. This position involves meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of Commercial RealEstate loan terms including legal concepts, collateral acceptability, and final closing conditions. Expertise in review and interpretation of deal structures and legal documentation along with working through “gray areas” presented is required. Additionally, CRE Loan Closing Specialist Sr. reviews and signs closing documents, ensures the loan structure and terms conform to the credit approval and bank policies, confirms requirements are in place, and identifies and appropriately mitigates exceptions to facilitate smooth and timely closing. This position works closely with customers, outside counsel and external consultants, Credit Administration, and Commercial Real Estate partners along with other business segments to deliver outstanding experience to customers and business partners, while carrying out sound risk management practices within a dynamic business development environment. Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee and manage the entire commercial loan closing process. Provide leadership and guidance to deal teams, ensuring cohesion and effective collaboration. Handle intricate and high-value commercial real estate loan transactions with custom, complex terms and due diligence that involve construction, acquisition, bonds, tax credits, credit derivatives, participations, and syndication transactions. Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements (such as Flood and OFAC) and industry standards throughout the loan closing process. Address and resolve complex lending issues during the closing process, facilitate collaboration with stakeholders, communicate and/or elevate risks, pursue corrective action and drive solutions. Order and review due diligence such as flood determinations, insurance, title commitments, and other pre‑closing items; coordinate review with respective deal team, outside counsel and other third parties; prepare closing statements, ensuring all fees are collected; prepare forms necessary to book loan on system of record. Clear any outstanding post‑closing items and collateral exceptions; ensure accuracy of loan and customer information on the system of record; work with Commercial Loan Servicing to resolve errors; manage closing checklist, certifications, and closing files according to standards. Train and mentor junior loan closers, sharing expertise and best practices to enhance the team’s overall performance. Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the loan closing process and work with management to implement improvements where needed. Engage with clients, lenders, and legal teams to facilitate smooth and transparent communication throughout the closing stages. Assess and mitigate potential risks associated with commercial loan transactions, ensuring the protection of the institution’s interests along with that of colleagues and borrowers. Implement quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy and completeness of loan documentation. Participate in strategic decision‑making related to commercial loan operations, providing insights and recommendations based on experience and industry knowledge. Perform other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree 7+ Years Commercial Loan Closing or Commercial Loan Administration. Preferred Qualifications: Effective communication with various stakeholders including lenders, borrowers, and internal and external teams. Meticulous detail‑oriented checking of Credit Approval and draft loan documentation to ensure accuracy, error‑free process, and compliance with policy. Time‑management to handle a large complex commercial loan portfolio with multiple tasks and deadlines to ensure timely completion of loan closings. Strong problem‑solving, identifying, decisioning and resolving issues and discrepancies that may arise during the loan closing process. Excellent partner collaboration and category‑of‑one service providing outstanding service to both internal and external clients throughout the closing process. Technical proficiency in utilizing loan management software and other tools to streamline processes and maintain accurate records. Adaptability to lead and adapt to changes in procedures, regulations, or industry practices to ensure ongoing effectiveness in the role. Exempt Status: Yes – not eligible for overtime pay (No – eligible for overtime pay) Workplace Type: Office. Certain positions outside the branch network may be eligible for flexible work arrangements that combine office and remote work. Remote roles also have the opportunity to come together in offices for moments that matter. Specific arrangements will be provided by the hiring team. Compensation Range: $70,000 – $140,000 Annual Salary (actual may vary based on location, experience, and education). Eligible for incentive compensation plan. Benefits include health insurance coverage, wellness program, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid leave programs, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). EEO Statement: Huntington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Tobacco‑Free Hiring Practice: Visit Huntington’s Career Web Site for more details. #J-18808-Ljbffr Huntington Bancshares, Inc.