Vice President, Commercial Lending

A well-capitalized, community-focused financial institution with a multi-branch presence in central Illinois is seeking a Vice President of Commercial Lending to help lead and expand its commercial banking presence in the Champaign / Bloomington market.

This is a strategic leadership role , not a producer-only position. The institution is taking a deliberate, disciplined approach to hiring and is seeking a commercial banking leader who can balance growth, credit quality, and long-term relationship banking.

The Role
The Vice President of Commercial Lending is responsible for driving sustainable commercial loan and deposit growth while maintaining strong credit discipline. This individual will work closely with senior market leadership to expand commercial and small-business relationships and strengthen the bank's competitive position in central Illinois.

This role is 100% onsite and requires active engagement with the local business community.

Key Responsibilities

Lead commercial and small-business lending initiatives in the Champaign/Bloomington market

Originate, structure, underwrite, and manage commercial loans, including C&I and owner-occupied CRE

Develop and execute market-level lending strategies aligned with long-term growth goals

Build strong relationships with business owners, COIs, and community organizations

Partner with leadership to drive deposit growth alongside lending activity

Maintain asset quality through disciplined underwriting and portfolio management

Review delinquencies and stressed credits; communicate proactively with leadership

Participate in loan committee and collaborate with credit and operations teams

Represent the bank in community, civic, and economic development activities

Qualifications

7+ years of commercial or business lending experience

Proven ability to underwrite and approve commercial loans

Experience managing or mentoring lenders or credit staff

Strong financial analysis and credit judgment skills

Relationship-driven community banking mindset

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Compensation & Benefits (Illinois Disclosure)

Base Salary: Up to $145,000 , commensurate with experience, portfolio scope, and leadership background

Incentive Compensation: Performance-based bonus opportunity tied to growth, credit quality, and overall performance

Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Life Insurance & AD&D; Long-Term Disability / Salary Continuance; 401(k) with Employer Match; Discretionary Profit-Sharing Plan; Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Leave (Illinois compliant); Paid Holidays; Wellness/Fitness Program; Tuition Reimbursement (per policy); Bereavement Leave; Discretionary Stock Option Program (where applicable)

Why This Opportunity

Leadership role with real market impact , not a siloed production seat

Strong credit culture with a long-term view

Visibility and partnership with senior leadership

Ideal for a commercial lender ready to step into broader leadership

Interested?
This is a confidential search. Initial conversations will be handled discreetly.

Qualified professionals interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out directly for a confidential discussion.

Contact:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.