Consumer Lender

Job Description

Job Description

First Western Bank is currently looking for a full-time Consumer Lender at our new Harrisburg, SD location. 

At First Western Bank, we're more than a bank. We're a family-owned organization with a proud history of helping customers, businesses, and communities thrive. As we expand into Harrisburg, South Dakota, we're looking for talented individuals who are passionate about building relationships, delivering exceptional customer service, and making a difference in their community.

Founded in 1964, First Western Bank has built its reputation on community stewardship, respect, excellence, dedication to customers, integrity, and trust. Team members who join our new Harrisburg location will have a unique opportunity to help establish our presence, build lasting customer relationships, and shape our reputation in one of South Dakota's fastest-growing communities.

If you're looking for a career where you can make an impact, grow professionally, and help build First Western Bank's future in Harrisburg, we'd love to have you apply!

CONSUMER LENDER POSITION OVERVIEW

Responsible for soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, underwriting, approving or recommending approval, and coordinating the closing of all consumer, in-house mortgage loans, HELOCs, lot loans, bridge loans, construction loans, ready reserve and credit cards in compliance with the Bank’s lending policies and procedures.

• Responsible for developing new business and maintaining and servicing an existing portfolio. Cross sells and recommends services to meet client needs and expand client relationships
• Extends credit to individuals through a wide variety of consumer loans, credit cards, ready reserve, in-house mortgage, real estate (bridge, lot loans & home equity/HELOCS) and/ or construction programs, 
• Analyzes applicants’ financial condition and assesses risk of financing requests within framework of the Bank’s credit culture and current economic and industry trends
• Obtains and assesses loan applicants’ credit histories, financial statements, and other financial information
• Ensures that credit inquires and UCC filings are researched to determine credit worthiness and appropriate collateral positioning are achieved
• Negotiates terms and conditions, structures loan financing based on risk considerations, approves loans within specified limits and presents loan applications outside of those limits for approval to appropriate levels of authority
• Advises clients on financial status and methods of payments, including a clear communication in relation to interest rate locks, closing dates, extensions, etc.
• Coordinates processing of approved loans; ensures loans are processed according to agreement, client needs and conforms to Bank lending policies
• Approves loan disbursements, draws from lines of credit, and fund transfers in accordance with specified limits
• Negotiates payment arrangements with clients who have delinquent loans
• Analyzes potential loan markets and develops referral networks in order to locate prospects for loans
• Monitors existing loan portfolio to ensure proper risk ratings and early identification of potential problems

CONSUMER LENDER QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Economics or equivalent work experience
• Prior experience in consumer lending with knowledge of in-house consumer mortgage, construction, and real estate loan procedures preferred
• Other banking related experience helpful 

CONSUMER LENDER COMPETENCIES

• Building Relationships – able to grow and maintain strong long-term customer relationships
• Business Judgment – able to identify business relationships and make sound decisions that are in the best interest and long-term success of the bank
• Communication – excellent written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey information to diverse audiences
• Customer Focus – able to understand customer needs and promote the value of the bank’s products and services
• Emotional Intelligence – can navigate difficult situations with empathy and understanding, fostering positive relationships
• Interpersonal Skills – can communicate and interact with others in a way that promotes mutual respect and trust
• Negotiation – able to lead negotiations and convert them to mutually beneficial agreements or solutions
• Persuasiveness – ability to build strong relationships and trust with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders; fostering collaboration and consensus
• Problem-Solving – skilled in identifying and resolving complex problems using analytical and critical thinking skills
• Resilience – able to bounce back from difficult situations and maintain a positive attitude and performance
• Teamwork – proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to achieve common goals
• Time Management – highly organized and efficient, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Willingness to Learn – open to new ideas, seeks opportunities to expand knowledge and skills, actively participates in training programs, and seeks feedback to enhance performance
• Technology - skilled in Microsoft Office (Publisher, Power Point, Word, Excel, Outlook), and social media platforms

First Western Bank & Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status.