Lending Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Commercial Lending Officer is responsible for originating, structuring, and managing commercial loan relationships that support the Bank’s loan portfolio growth while maintaining prudent credit risk standards. The commercial Lending Officer develops and manages business relationships with commercial clients, evaluates creditworthiness, structures loan facilities, and monitors portfolio performance.

The position contributes to the Bank’s strategic lending objectives by generating quality commercial loan production while ensuring compliance with Bank policies, regulatory requirements, and sound credit practices.

Job Description

Commercial Loan Production and Business Development

• Develop and maintain commercial banking relationships with businesses, real estate investors, and professional clients.
• Generate new loan opportunities through business development activities, referrals, and community involvement.
• Identify lending opportunities that align with the Bank’s credit risk tolerance and portfolio strategy.
• Maintain a consistent pipeline of commercial loan opportunities to meet production goals.

Credit Analysis and Loan Structuring

• Analyze borrower financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, and collateral to assess creditworthiness.
• Structure loan transactions including commercial real estate, construction loans, and commercial & industrial (C&I) lending.
• Prepare or coordinate credit presentations and loan packages for credit approval.
• Ensure loan requests are consistent with the Bank’s credit policies, underwriting standards, and regulatory guidelines.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned commercial clients.
• Provide banking solutions including credit facilities, treasury services, and deposit relationships.
• Maintain strong communication with borrowers to understand financial performance and business conditions.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities for additional Bank services.

Portfolio Management and Credit Monitoring

• Monitor the performance of assigned loan portfolio to ensure credit quality and compliance with loan terms.
• Review borrower financial statements and covenant compliance.
• Identify potential credit issues and escalate concerns to management as appropriate.
• Assist in the management of problem loans and participate in loan workout strategies when necessary.

Loan Approval and Documentation

• Prepare loan presentations and recommendations for internal credit approval processes.
• Coordinate with Loan Operations, Credit Administration, and Loan Closing staff to ensure accurate documentation and booking.
• Ensure loan files are complete and comply with internal and regulatory documentation standards.

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure compliance with all applicable banking laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
• Fair Lending Requirements
• Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
• Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

• Follow all Bank lending policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Internal Coordination

• Collaborate with Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Compliance, and Risk Management department.
• Ensure efficient processing, underwriting, and closing of commercial loan transactions.

Strategic Support

• Assist management in evaluating lending market opportunities and industry trends.
• Provide recommendations for product enhancements and new lending opportunities.

Community and Market Development

• Represent the Bank in community events, business associations, and industry groups.
• Promote the Bank’s services within the local business community.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Performance will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Commercial loan production volume
• Portfolio credit quality
• Relationship development and retention
• Compliance with lending policies and regulatory requirements
• Contribution to deposit growth and cross-sell opportunities
• Portfolio monitoring and risk management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in commercial lending or related banking functions.
• Experience analyzing commercial financial statements and structuring commercial credit facilities.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of commercial lending practices and credit analysis.
• Ability to analyze business financial statements, cash flow, and collateral valuation.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate lending and C&I lending structures
• Familiarity with banking regulations and lending compliance requirements
• Strong relationship management and business development skills
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities