Consumer Lending Officer

First Western Bank has a full-time opening for a Consumer Lending Officer at the Lismore bank location.

The pay range for this position is $50,000 - $80,000. Pay is based on several factors which vary according to position. Factors may include: educational and professional background, work experience, and overall qualifications. First Western Bank & Trust cares about and invests in our employees. We offer eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include insurance for medical, vision, dental, and more, to help you take care of yourself and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401k with company match, company contribution to Health Savings Account, banking benefits, short-term disability, life and long-term disability, bonding leave, holidays, sick leave, and vacation.

CONSUMER LENDING OFFICER POSITION OVERVIEW 

Responsible for soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, underwriting, approving or recommending approval, and coordinating the closing of all consumer, in-house mortgage loans, HELOCs, lot loans, bridge loans, construction loans, ready reserve and credit cards in compliance with the Bank’s lending policies and procedures.  

• Responsible for developing new business and maintaining and servicing an existing portfolio. Cross sell and recommend services to meet client needs and expand client relationships
• Extend credit to individuals through a wide variety of consumer loans, credit cards, ready reserve, in-house mortgage, real estate (bridge, lot loans & home equity/HELOCS) and/or construction programs 
• Analyze applicants’ financial condition and assess risk of financing requests within framework of the Bank’s credit culture and current economic and industry trends
• Obtain and assess loan applicants’ credit histories, financial statements, and other financial information
• Ensure that credit inquiries and UCC filings are researched to determine credit worthiness and appropriate collateral positioning are achieved
• Negotiate terms and conditions, structures loan financing based on risk considerations, approve loans within specified limits and present loan applications outside of those limits for approval to appropriate levels of authority
• Advise clients on financial status and methods of payments, including clear communication in relation to interest rate locks, closing dates, extensions, etc.
• Coordinate processing of approved loans; ensure loans are processed according to agreement, client needs and conform to Bank lending policies
• Approve loan disbursements, draws from lines of credit, and fund transfers in accordance with specified limits
• Negotiate payment arrangements with clients who have delinquent loans
• Analyze potential loan markets and develop referral networks to locate prospects for loans
• Monitor existing loan portfolio to ensure proper risk ratings and early identification of potential problems

CONSUMER LENDING OFFICER EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Economics or equivalent work experience
• Prior experience in consumer lending with knowledge of in-house consumer mortgage, construction, and real estate loan procedures preferred
• Other banking related experience helpful   

CONSUMER LENDING OFFICER COMPETENCIES

• Building Relationships – able to grow and maintain strong long-term customer relationships
• Business Judgment – able to identify business relationships and make sound decisions that are in the best interest and long-term success of the bank
• Communication – excellent written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey information to diverse audiences 
• Customer Focus – able to understand customer needs and promote the value of the bank’s products and services
• Emotional Intelligence – can navigate difficult situations with empathy and understanding, fostering positive relationships
• Interpersonal Skills – can communicate and interact with others in a way that promotes mutual respect and trust
• Negotiation – able to lead negotiations and convert them to mutually beneficial agreements or solutions
• Persuasiveness – ability to build strong relationships and trust with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders; fostering collaboration and consensus
• Problem-Solving – skilled in identifying and resolving complex problems using analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Resilience – able to bounce back from difficult situations and maintain a positive attitude and performance
• Teamwork – proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to achieve common goals
• Time Management – highly organized and efficient, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Willingness to Learn – open to new ideas, seeks opportunities to expand knowledge and skills, actively participates in training programs, and seeks feedback to enhance performance
• Technology - skilled in Microsoft Office (Publisher, Power Point, Word, Excel, Outlook), and social media platforms

First Western Bank & Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status.