Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

The Small Balance SBA Credit Manager directs Bankwell’s credit and operational policies and procedures in support of the launch and growth of the company’s streamlined SBA lending program for transactions up to $500K. The individual in this role plays a pivotal part in evaluating the creditworthiness of small businesses, effectively mitigating risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and significantly contributing to the overall success of the lending operations.

• Develop and refine the SBA small balance credit policy to effectively balance the bank’s production goals and risk tolerance
• Apply expertise in SBA loan program parameters to ensure Bankwell’s SBA Small Balance Program operates within SBA compliance at all times
• Develop and support the team responsible for managing the pipeline and loan approval process. 
• Coordinate efforts with internal and/or external SBA Loan Closing and Operations team to ensure efficient SBA loan processing from cradle to grave 
• Collaborate with Bankwell’s senior leadership to chart strategy for the program and manage critical strategic partnerships in support of meeting production and portfolio quality goals
• Key contributor to policies and systems that result in credit approvals occurring in a timely, efficient, and scalable manner
• Hire, develop, and manage a team of SBA credit and support personnel
• Provide strategic guidance and leadership related to maintaining a flexible credit policy that supports and promotes the SBA Small Balance program’s business goals
• Act in an advisory role to Bankwell leadership in matters of SBA compliance
• Effectively manage the process to ensure loan requests are being reviewed efficiently, that customers receive timely answers, and that approved transactions are completed quickly and accurately
• Facilitate the bank’s preparation for SBA compliance reviews, ensuring ongoing satisfactory scores 
• Maintain active knowledge of SBA regulations, including any program changes relevant to the business, serving as internal subject matter expert for the same
• Ensure that loans are properly reviewed for adherence to established Bankwell credit policy, and evaluate the SBA small balance loan portfolio to ensure performance is aligned with established targets 

Requirements

• 5-10 years or more of SBA lending experience with deep knowledge of SBA Standard Operating Procedures, including thorough understanding of all recent changes in SBA loan programs. 
• SBA credit and operations management experience preferred
• Strategic SBA credit experience preferred (i.e. authoring and not just applying loan policy)
• Strong credit background with a deal-making mentality
• Proven ability to build systems to scale
• Embraces technology as an aid to productivity, quality loan production, and superior customer service