SVP, Chief Lending Officer

Position Description

Title:                                       SVP, Chief Lending Officer

Department:                           Commercial Lending

Reports to:                              President, Chief Executive Officer

Supervises:                             SVP, Team Leader Commercial Lending, and VP, Commercial Loan Manager

Classification:                         Exempt

Date Prepared:                       May 8, 2026

Summary / Objective

The SVP, Chief Lending Officer (CLO), is responsible for the growth, oversight and administration of the Bank’s commercial lending function, including loan portfolio management and compliance across all commercial lending activities. 

This role provides strategic leadership to the Commercial Loan Department, including the SVP, Team Leader Commercial Lending, (commercial lenders) and support staff, and is integral to achieving the Bank’s strategic objectives, growth targets, and risk management standards.

In partnership with the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the SVP, Chief Credit Officer (CCO), and subject to Board of Directors approval, the CLO establishes and maintains internal controls, as well as written lending policies and procedures governing the extension of credit. 

Experience & Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field 
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive commercial lending experience within community banking, including senior management responsibility
• Broad exposure to banking operations, finance, investments, and asset/liability management
• Demonstrated success in business development, portfolio growth, and relationship management
• Extensive knowledge of underwriting standards, lending regulations, and loan systems
• Strong familiarity with CRA, SBA, and other credit-enhanced lending programs

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as chief administrator of the commercial lending portfolio 
• Serve as an advisor to CEO, CFO and Board of Directors on commercial lending strategies and portfolio matters
• Participate in the Bank’s long- and short-term strategic planning and ensure alignment of lending strategies with the Bank’s overall business plan
• Contribute to the Bank’s budgeting process
• Maximize loan portfolio growth through sales management strategic planning, and team development
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure consistency in policies, efficient workflows, and strong interdepartmental relationships
• Work with the CCO to establish, maintain, and model a strong credit culture for the Bank
• Provide oversight for an effective loan approval process within established lending limits.  Approve or deny loans based on the Bank’s credit risk appetite and sound underwriting practices
• Direct loan portfolio management and document administration activities.  Report loan portfolio performance and credit issues, and make recommendations while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in collaboration with the CEO and CCO, and Board of Directors
• Establish guidelines for accurate and timely servicing of the commercial loan portfolio, including the documentation, funding, closing, and servicing processes
• Review loan pricing with the CEO and implement rate changes, as appropriate
• Research and recommend development of new lending products and enhancements to existing offerings
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions and competitor lending products to maintain the Bank’s competitive position
• Serve on Board-level committees, including but not limited to ALCO and Security Committee 
• Participate in management committees including CECL, Compliance, IT Steering, Deal Screen, Management Loan Committee (voting member) and WATCHed Asset Committee.  Attend loan committee meetings and present reports and recommendations 
• Provide leadership and ongoing support to direct reports, including training, coaching, mentoring, and performance guidance
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement 
• Represent the Bank through participation in community and industry-related activities
• Actively promotes the Bank’s interests and lending programs
• Establish and maintain relationships with key external partners, including accountants, attorneys, builders, and brokers

Required knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Superior knowledge of commercial lending activities and related compliance laws and regulations 
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills 
• Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making and leadership capabilities
• Demonstrated business development and portfolio management expertise
• Strong technical and financial analysis skills, including reporting and data interpretation
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment and prioritize competing demands
• Working knowledge of BSA/AML compliance requirements

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

• Ability to use standard equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers
• Must be able to work schedules that meet the needs of the Bank, which may include early morning, evening and /or weekend hours
• Requires manual dexterity and sitting for longer periods of time

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties

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. It is expected that from time-to-time other duties, both related and unrelated to the above, may be assigned and therefore required.

Salary : $194,750 - $332,619