Overview
This role is responsible for soliciting, negotiating, underwriting, and coordinating the closing of equipment, commercial real estate, and business loans in compliance with the organization’s lending policies and procedures. You will develop and manage business checking, deposit, and lending relationships while promoting products and services through strong client relationships and internal referrals.
Depending on experience and level, the Commercial Relationship Manager (I–III) may support commercial lending activities, independently manage a portfolio, or lead more complex commercial transactions—serving as a trusted advisor to clients and contributing to portfolio growth and credit quality.
In addition to base compensation, this role offers the opportunity to earn performance-based incentives through participation in multiple incentive plans.
Responsibilities
- Generate new leads through outbound calls, emails, networking, and in-person meetings.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients to drive long-term business opportunities.
- Use CRM systems to track interactions, update customer records, and manage pipeline activity.
- Interview prospective applicants and request specified information related to loan or credit applications; correspond or re-interview applicants to resolve questions.
- Perform pre-qualification assessment and analysis of financial condition and risk of financing requests, aligned with bank credit culture and current economic and industry trends.
- Gather and analyze information needed to present financing requests to Senior Management or the Loan Committee for approval.
- Meet with existing or potential customers and visit sites of loans.
- Negotiate loan terms and conditions.
- Coordinate processing of approved loans; ensure processing aligns with agreements, customer needs, and lending policies.
- Obtain sufficient customer information and/or documentation and resolve issues related to processing and servicing of loans in your portfolio.
- Approve loan disbursements in accordance with agreements.
- Research credit inquiries and UCC filings to determine creditworthiness and ensure appropriate collateral positioning.
- Ensure proper certification or deletion of collateral by the appropriate personnel.
- Negotiate, underwrite, and process renewals of credit facilities.
- Approve loan payments, draws from lines of credit, and fund transfers within specified limits.
- Authorize commitment, engagement, auction, and decline letters.
- Contribute to overall profitability of the branch and region by implementing cost controls, supporting income generation and branch/region marketing efforts, and monitoring expenses against budget.
- Verify funds with mortgage companies and contractors.
- Maintain knowledge of the financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors, and competition.
- Represent the organization in community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to enhance image and develop additional business.
- Assist with establishing and maintaining market position in the financing arena.
- Review NSF and overdraft reports for customers assigned to your portfolio; approve or decline exceptions within established lending limits.
- Provide deposit and loan account ratings.
- Update and coordinate with legal counsel and collectors on workouts, bankruptcies, and charge-offs to ensure precautionary actions are taken.
- Achieve annual deposit and loan growth goals assigned by Senior Management.
- Provide leadership and training to less experienced loan officers and other staff.
- Complete administrative tasks with a sense of urgency, including required compliance training.
- Respond to internal and external inquiries via email, phone, or messaging platforms in a timely and professional manner.
- Positively represent the organization through ethical conduct and community involvement.
- Demonstrate commitment to EEO policies and support a respectful, inclusive workplace by valuing cultural differences, preventing harassment, and supporting a diverse workforce.
- Ensure adherence to all policies, procedures, and processes, and comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality and data privacy while carrying out AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) responsibilities specific to the role.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of related experience in banking, financial services, or relevant industry required.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred (e.g., Business, Finance, or related).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.
- Experienced in growing marketing and business development expertise through direct customer engagement.
- Advanced math skills, including ability to:
- Calculate interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages
- Balance accounts and perform arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
- Locate routine mathematical errors
- Compute rate, ratio, and percent, including drafting and interpretation of bar graphs
- Demonstrated ability to cross-sell and explain products and services with confidence and authority.
- Knowledge of commercial banking products and services and a strong understanding of federal compliance regulations required.
- Ability to take initiative and effect change through consensus building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including applying common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports/correspondence, and speak clearly to customers, vendors, and employees.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
- Proficient teamwork and relationship skills to support cross-functional collaboration.
- Willingness to take on special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Ability to maintain authenticity and integrity in professional interactions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
- Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
- Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive while performing assigned duties.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (e.g., Business, Finance, or related).
Compensation & Benefits
In addition to base compensation, performance-based incentives are available through participation in multiple incentive plans.
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Training and development opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee ownership through an ESOP program
- Internal job postings and referral program
Location
- Performs duties in an office or home office environment, including tasks such as writing, typing, speaking, lifting moderate weights, and operating office equipment. Position requires sitting, walking, and reaching. Reasonable accommodation can be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Travels up to 75%, including frequent trips to client locations, sales presentations, industry conferences, corporate events, and training sessions. Travel may include long-distance flights, overnight stays, and local transportation.