Senior Credit Officer

Senior Credit Officer

Community Bank | Confidential Search

Position Overview

A well-capitalized, relationship-driven community bank is seeking a Senior Credit Officer to provide hands-on leadership over credit risk management, underwriting standards, and portfolio quality. This executive will partner closely with the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Lending Officer, and senior management to ensure strong credit culture, regulatory compliance, and sustainable loan growth.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management, and regulatory interaction within a community or regional banking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level oversight of commercial credit underwriting across C&I, CRE, owner-occupied, and specialized lending portfolios
• Review, approve, and structure complex and higher-risk credit relationships
• Serve as a trusted advisor to lenders on deal structure, risk mitigation, and policy interpretation
• Ensure compliance with internal credit policy, regulatory guidance, and safety-and-soundness standards
• Lead or support loan review, criticized asset management, and credit administration functions
• Participate in ALLL/CECL methodology, stress testing, and portfolio analytics
• Partner with lending leadership to balance growth objectives with disciplined risk management
• Prepare and present credit-related reporting to senior management, loan committee, and the Board
• Support regulatory exams and act as a key point of contact with auditors and examiners
• Mentor and develop credit analysts and junior credit staff, reinforcing strong underwriting discipline

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive commercial credit experience within a community or regional bank
• Strong background in C&I and CRE underwriting, including complex credit structures
• Prior experience in a Senior Credit Officer, Credit Manager, or Deputy CCO role preferred
• Deep understanding of regulatory expectations (FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, or state regulators)
• Proven ability to identify, measure, and mitigate credit risk across diverse loan portfolios
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence lenders, executives, and the Board
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA or CPA a plus)

Why This Opportunity

• Key leadership role with direct influence on the bank's credit culture and long-term stability
• Well-capitalized community bank with a relationship-driven lending model
• High visibility with executive leadership and the Board
• Opportunity to help shape credit policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio strategy
• Competitive compensation, bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits

This search is being conducted confidentially. Additional details will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.