Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:        Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist

Department:  Commercial Lending

Job Summary:

The Commercial Loan Officer – SBA Specialist is responsible for originating, underwriting, structuring, and servicing a portfolio of commercial loans with a strong emphasis on SBA-guaranteed programs (primarily 7(a) and 504). This role drives business development in Southwest Florida’s vibrant small business community, including tourism, real estate, professional services, healthcare, and marine-related industries. The officer builds and maintains profitable customer relationships, ensures compliance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), while contributing to the bank’s overall loan growth, deposit generation, and fee income goals. The position balances proactive sales (approximately 60-75% of time in the field) with credit analysis, portfolio management, and administrative duties.

This combined role allows the community bank to leverage SBA guarantees for higher-risk or smaller deals (reducing bank exposure) while maintaining a full-service commercial lending platform. It emphasizes relationship banking typical of community institutions, with a specialized SBA component to support small business growth in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development and Relationship Management

• Identify, solicit, and develop new commercial lending opportunities through proactive calling, networking, referrals, and community involvement in Southwest Florida.
• Focus on SBA-eligible small businesses for 7(a) working capital, equipment, real estate, and startup/acquisition financing, while also originating conventional commercial and industrial (C&I), commercial real estate (CRE), and other business loans.
• Build and deepen relationships with existing and prospective clients, including business owners, professionals, and referral sources (accountants, attorneys, brokers).
• Cross-sell bank products and services, including deposits, treasury management, and other fee-based solutions to maximize customer profitability.
• Meet or exceed annual production goals for loan volume, deposits, and fee income.

Loan Origination, Underwriting & Structuring

• Collect and analyze financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, cash flow projections, and other data to assess borrower creditworthiness and repayment capacity.
• Structure loan terms (amount, rate, collateral, guaranties) to meet client needs while adhering to the bank’s lending policies, risk parameters, and SBA guidelines.
• Ensure SBA loans comply with eligibility requirements, guaranty percentages, fees, and SOP standards; prepare and submit SBA applications/guaranty requests as needed.
• Prepare comprehensive credit memoranda and present loan requests to the Loan Committee or senior management with clear recommendations.
• Negotiate loan terms, covenants, and documentation with borrowers and their advisors.

Portfolio Management & Servicing

• Manage an assigned portfolio of commercial and SBA loans, including ongoing monitoring of financial performance, site visits (as needed), and proactive identification of credit issues or opportunities.
• Conduct annual credit reviews, covenant compliance checks, and risk rating updates in accordance with bank policy.
• Work with loan administration, closing, and servicing teams to ensure timely and accurate loan documentation, funding, and post-closing compliance.
• Assist in the workout or management of problem loans when necessary.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain thorough knowledge of commercial lending regulations (e.g., Reg B, BSA/AML, fair lending), bank credit policy, and SBA SOP.
• Ensure all loans meet quality standards to minimize risk while supporting community economic development in Southwest Florida.
• Collaborate with internal partners (credit analysts, underwriters, legal, compliance) and external parties (SBA, appraisers, title companies).

Community & Professional Engagement

• Actively participate in local business organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development initiatives in Southwest Florida to enhance the bank’s visibility as a community-focused SBA and commercial lender.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of commercial lending experience, with at least 2-3 years focused on SBA lending (7(a) and/or 504 programs). Prior experience in community bank environment is highly preferred. Demonstrated track record of meeting loan production and portfolio management goals. Completion of formal credit training or equivalent experience in financial statement analysis and cash flow underwriting.
• Skills: Strong working knowledge of SBA programs, eligibility rules, and SOP; familiarity with Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status is a plus. Solid understanding of commercial credit analysis, including financial ratios, cash flow, collateral valuation, and industry trends relevant to Southwest Florida. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and loan origination/credit analysis software. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex credit information clearly to committees and clients. Self-motivated with strong business development and relationship management skills. High ethical standards and commitment to regulatory compliance. Ability to travel locally within Southwest Florida and work flexible hours to meet client needs.
• Preferred Qualifications: Existing book of business or strong network in Southwest Florida markets. Knowledge of local industries (e.g., tourism, real estate development, small manufacturing, professional services). Lending authority or prior experience presenting to loan committees.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary plus performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid health insurance, dental, and vision coverage. Flexible spending account, group life (3x salary, $400,000 max), short- and long-term disability, 401(k) matching, paid time off (min. 15 days), stock options, and 11 Federal holidays.