Business Development Officer

Commercial Loan Officer

Provides service to existing and prospective small business and commercial customers seeking lending solutions for their businesses. Develops relationships with small businesses/commercial prospects and identifies opportunities to convert them to customers. Processes and approves or rejects commercial loans based on established lending requirements.

Actively participates in business development calling program by meeting with clients and potential clients outside of the office in accordance with individual performance goals. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, Customer Identification Program, USA Patriot Act, OFAC, Fair Lending Act. Follow established lending policies, procedures, objectives, and quality standards to ensure consistent compliance with First Sentinel Bank, state, and federal regulations.

Sales and Service responsibilities: Interview loan applicants and collect and analyze financial and related data to determine creditworthiness of applicant and merits of loan request; orders credit reports. Correspond with customers, applicants or creditors to resolve questions regarding application information. Establish and negotiate the terms of extension of credit, including costs, repayment method and schedule and collateral requirements to ensure policy compliance. Approve loans up to authorized limit (operates with limited credit authority). Develop and maintains interest rate structure that is consistent with financial institution policies and is competitive with current market. Review developing laws and regulations as they apply to installment loan security agreements. Monitor loan repayment activities and hand off to collections department as necessary.

Business development responsibilities: Actively meet with customers and prospects regularly to establish or strengthen client relationships. Develop business relationships and effectively communicate to pursue leads, close business, and cross-sell business services. Consistently meet established calling and referral targets. Represent First Sentinel Bank in public relations activities and community affairs. Actively participate in community events and organizations.

Thorough knowledge of all First Sentinel Bank small business and commercial loan products. Knowledgeable and proficient in customer service and consumer/commercial lending roles. Willingness to take on new responsibilities and roles as needed. Ability to analyze, underwrite and approve or decline loan requests. Sales/Service skills - Knowledge of bank products and services, sufficient to identify and fill customer and prospect needs, conduct sales/service dialogue with customers and prospects, and/or refer quality business. Knowledgeable of the local community-industries, economic base, culture, key leaders, competitors, etc. Sales/Service Leadership capabilities - Sales management and coaching skills - Good role model with motivational and/or training skills and abilities. Ability to understand, implement and maintain Bank policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Ability to speak with confidence one-on-one and in small group meetings or presentations. Ability to work with limited or no direct supervision. Ability to think and act independently within guidelines and limitations of Bank policy and assigned personal authority. Present a professional, business-like manner and appearance. Team oriented yet entrepreneurial style - sees the branch as a stand-alone franchise, while recognizing the need to work within corporate standards and guidelines. Ability to quickly gain credibility as a leader – i.e. to "sell" himself/herself to internal peers and employees in order to get the cooperation necessary to achieve Bank goals/objectives. Focus/desire to provide excellent customer service.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in finance, business administration, or other related field. At least 3 years of experience in a financial institution or loan setting. Ability to recognize and focus on critical sales and service issues. Ability to balance and respond to competing role and organizational needs. Superior communication and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate effectively across a broad base of internal/external customers. Capable user level knowledge of First Sentinel Bank computer systems and technology, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet and internal software. Must be willing to travel daily to meet with clients and potential customers. Must be able to occasionally travel for training or other business-related matters.