Commercial Lender - Columbus, GA

DESCRIPTION: Commercial Lender - Columbus, GA

Department: Lending

Reports To: Market President

Position Summary

The Commercial Lender is responsible for developing, managing, and expanding commercial banking

relationships within the bank's market area. This role focuses on generating quality commercial

loans, promoting banking products and services, and maintaining strong customer relationships. The

Commercial Lender ensures loans are underwritten, structured, and serviced according to bank

policies and regulatory standards while embodying the bank's relationship-focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Relationship Management

• Develop and manage a portfolio of commercial clients, including small and mid-sized businesses.
• Identify lending opportunities through proactive calling, networking, and community involvement.
• Build long-term relationships by providing tailored financial solutions and exceptional service.
• Cross-sell banking products such as treasury management, deposits, and merchant services.
  
  

Loan Origination & Underwriting

• Evaluate loan requests by analyzing financial statements, cash flows, collateral, industry conditions, and borrower creditworthiness.
• Structure commercial loans (C&I, CRE, SBA, agricultural, or other relevant loan types).
• Prepare and present credit proposals to loan committee or credit administration.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and sound credit practices.
  
  

Portfolio Management

• Monitor existing credits for performance, covenant compliance, and risk trends.
• Conduct periodic site visits and maintain regular communication with borrowers.
• Identify early warning signs and take action to mitigate risk.
• Manage renewals, modifications, and annual reviews in a timely manner.
  
  

Community Involvement

• Represent the bank at community events, chamber meetings, and business organizations.
• Uphold the community bank's commitment to local engagement and relationship banking.
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• 3-7 years of commercial lending or credit underwriting experience, preferably in a community bank environment.
• Experience with SBA lending (preferred but not required).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of commercial credit analysis and loan structuring.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and loan documentation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport with business owners and community leaders.
• Proficiency in financial analysis tools and banking software.
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and customer-focused mindset.
  
  

Performance Expectations

• Achieve assigned production goals while maintaining high credit quality.
• Demonstrate active participation in community and business development activities.
• Maintain accurate and organized loan documentation and portfolio records.
• Provide superior customer service aligned with the bank's relationship-banking culture.
  
  

Work Environment

• Standard office environment with local travel for client visits, networking and community events. Travel also required as needed to attend Loan Committee Meetings.
• Full-time position. Typical days and hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. Candidate must be able to work expanded hours as needed.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additionally, duties, responsibilities, activities and work hours are subject to change.