Senior Loan Operations Specialist

DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Nola Bank is seeking an experienced Senior Loan Operations Specialist to help build and lead the operational backbone of our lending platform. Reporting to the Chief Credit Officer, this role is responsible for ensuring accurate booking, documentation, servicing, and ongoing administration of commercial and consumer loans in a controlled, highly compliant environment.

The Senior Loan Operations Specialist will support all loan types across Commercial & Industrial (C&I), Commercial Real Estate (CRE), and select consumer products, while helping design and refine core loan operations processes, procedures, and systems as the bank scales. The ideal candidate combines deep loan operations experience with strong attention to detail, sound understanding of loan documentation and regulations, and comfort operating in an entrepreneurial, hands-on environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and board new and renewed loans into the bank's core system with a high degree of accuracy, including all terms, rates, fees, collateral, payment schedules, and covenants.
• Review approved credit packages and loan documentation to confirm consistency between approval terms, legal documents, and system input.
• Process loan funding, advances, payments, payoffs, renewals, extensions, and rate changes in accordance with bank policy and documented approvals.
• Maintain and monitor tickler and exception tracking systems for items such as financial statements, insurance, tax receipts, UCC continuations, and other required documentation.
• Support monitoring of borrowing bases, covenant compliance, and other ongoing reporting requirements in coordination with Credit and Relationship Managers.
• Prepare and generate accurate loan statements, notices, billing, and escrow analyses, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform ongoing quality control reviews of loan files and system data, identifying and correcting errors, and recommending process improvements to reduce defects.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for loan booking, servicing, and file maintenance as the bank grows.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors (e.g., attorneys, title companies, appraisers, flood vendors, document preparation providers) to support smooth and timely loan closings and post-closing follow-up.
• Support internal and external audits and examinations by gathering requested loan files, reports, and documentation, and by addressing exceptions in a timely manner.
• Work closely with lenders, credit analysts, and branch staff to resolve customer inquiries, payment issues, payoff requests, and other servicing matters promptly and professionally.
• Assist with portfolio reporting, data integrity checks, and system conversions or enhancements related to the loan portfolio.
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable banking regulations impacting loan operations (e.g., Reg B, Reg Z, HMDA, Flood, Fair Lending, BSA/AML considerations, state law).
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Loan Operations and Credit departments and the bank's overall objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in loan operations, loan servicing, or loan documentation in a bank or credit union environment.
• Hands-on experience boarding and servicing commercial and consumer loans on a core processing system (experience with Silverlake is a plus).
• Strong understanding of loan documentation, collateral perfection (including UCCs, mortgages, and titles), and standard closing practices for C&I and CRE loans.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate loan records and documentation, manage ticklers and exceptions, and support portfolio reporting.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the New Orleans / Gulf South market and local industries.
• Experience with loan documentation systems and common vendor platforms used for document preparation, flood determinations, appraisals, and imaging.
• Prior involvement in policy and procedure development for loan operations, or participation in system implementation or conversion projects.

What Nola Bank Offers

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A collaborative, relationship-driven, locally focused work environment.
• Meaningful career growth opportunities at a growing financial institution.
• The opportunity to help build the loan operations function and credit culture of a community bank.
• Direct access to and mentorship from the Chief Credit Officer and senior leadership.

Nola Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

REQUIREMENTS

About Nola Bank

NOLA Bank is a locally led, community-focused bank founded to serve the people, businesses, and neighborhoods of New Orleans. We are committed to expanding access to financial services, creating economic opportunities, and supporting the long-term prosperity of the communities we serve.

We are dedicated to supporting small businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, promoting financial inclusion, and helping create pathways to generational wealth. Our leadership team and board members have decades of experience in banking, business, and community development, ensuring that our customers receive trusted guidance and responsive service.

At NOLA Bank, we are more than a bank, we are your neighbors, your partners, and your advocates for financial success.