VP, Commercial Loan Officer

Job Description

A well-capitalized community bank in southern Illinois is seeking a Vice President, Commercial Lending to support and grow its commercial and small-business portfolio within its established footprint. This is a relationship-driven VP role designed for an experienced commercial lender who wants autonomy, visibility, and influence without formal team management. The role is ideal for a lender who prefers to stay hands-on with clients, credit, and the community while operating with meaningful lending authority.


The Vice President of Commercial Lending is responsible for originating, structuring, underwriting, and managing commercial loans while maintaining strong credit quality and long-term customer relationships. The role partners closely with senior leadership. This is a highly visible position within a smaller-bank environment where reputation, judgment, and community presence matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and manage commercial loans, including C&I and owner-occupied CRE
  
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local business owners and COIs
  
  
• Drive sustainable loan and deposit growth within the bank’s footprint
  
  
• Maintain asset quality through disciplined underwriting and proactive portfolio management
  
  
• Monitor delinquencies and address stressed credits in collaboration with leadership
  
  
• Operate with sound judgment and independence within assigned lending authority
  
  

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial or business lending experience
  
  
• Strong underwriting and credit analysis skills
  
  
• Experience managing a commercial loan portfolio independently
  
  
• Relationship-focused 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 overall impact
  
  
• Incentive Compensation: Performance-based bonus opportunity
  
  
• Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Life Insurance & AD&D; Long-Term Disability / Salary Continuance; 401(k); Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Leave (Illinois compliant); Paid Holidays
  
  

Why This Opportunity

• Strong local decision-making and credit authority
  
  
• Visible role within a community-focused institution
  
  
• Ideal for a seasoned lender who values relationships over hierarchy
  
  

Qualified professionals interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out directly for a confidential discussion.
Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io

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.