Commercial Real Estate Loan Officer

Position Summary

The Commercial CRE Lender develops new commercial real estate loan business and manages a portfolio of commercial real estate loans. The incumbent recommends new lending business for approval and is the primary contact between the borrower and the bank from initial review and for the entire life of the loan. Approves loans within established limits or refers to loan committee for approval. The CRE Lender advises prospects on loan status and approvals and works closely with the Commercial Credit Department to maintain loan quality and ensure the timely and accurate disposition of loan requests. Commercial Real Estate business also includes new construction financing.

Essential Functions

• Ability to generate new business by developing relationships with prospective commercial customers within the target market.
• Further development and increase new business through current COI (center of influence) to leverage new client base.
• Meet with applicants to obtain information; compile and analyze data for loan requests.
• Submit applications to credit analysts for preparation of financial analysis and approval recommendations.
• Recommend products and services to potential borrowers and handle inquiries from applicants including explanation of the loan requirements and process.
• Screen loan requests based on bank policies and procedures and on types of loans offered.
• Prepare loan proposals by gathering pertinent due diligence material to support loan recommendations as presented to Loan Committee.
• Confer and work closely with credit analysts to expeditiously decision loan requests.
• Present loan recommendations to appropriate loan committees.
• Build in-depth knowledge of each assigned loan relationship understanding strengths and weaknesses of borrower and risk to bank.
• Inform borrowers of loan commitments and, advise and explain loan terms and conditions; ensure timely receipt of loan payments; and assist in obtaining proper documentation to secure and substantiate loan.
• Maintain an assigned portfolio of borrowing relationships ensuring timely remittance of loan payments, in adherence to quality and risk standards determined by the bank.
• Build customer relationships by cross selling bank products and services.
• Communicate with people within and outside the organization on a regular basis including regulators, auditors, customers, attorneys, and the general public.

Additional Functions

• Maintain technical and professional knowledge by attending education training, obtain relevant professional certifications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional associations.
• Staying informed of legal, policy and procedural changes relating to construction and commercial real estate lending.
• Keep informed of industry changes, trends and best practices, and assess the potential impact of processes and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Established commercial real estate sales background; including construction projects.
• Strict attention to detail and thoroughness in the completion of job duties.
• Using critical thinking, logic, and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Thorough analysis of information and use of logic to address complexity of data and information.
• High level of coordination, organization, planning, and prioritization of work, and management of one's own time.
• Honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior, the consideration of ethical standards before making decisions, and keeping promises.
• Keeping confidences, operating at the highest standard of confidentiality, and behaving in a manner that engenders trust and openness.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field.
• Five years of experience in commercial real estate lending.
• Construction experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of CRE lending best practices and principles.
• Strong knowledge of selling practices and activities.
• Strong knowledge of credit underwriting practices, policies, and standards.
• Knowledge of principles and practices to ascertain and assess customer needs, meet quality standards of customer service, and evaluate customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of economic, accounting, and finance principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including proficiency in Word and Excel.
• High reasoning skills including the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to collaborate, build good rapport and constructive, effective relationships, and use tact and diplomacy to handle situations comfortably.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to read, comprehend, analyze, and interpret legal documents, governmental regulations, and professional publications.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from senior management, attorneys, vendors, government agents, and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly in order to effectively convey information so that others understand and as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time up to 80% of work hours.
• Ability to use hands to grasp, handle or feel.
• Ability to use computer keyboard and system to enter data and process information.
• Ability to read a computer screen at a close distance.
• Ability to read, talk clearly so that others understand, hear, comprehend the written and spoken word, and see.
• Ability to use telephone to communicate with others.
• Ability to use office equipment such as personal computer, telephone, mobile device, copier, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. at least 10% of work hours.

Working Conditions

• Moderate sound as in business office with office machines, computers, and people traffic.

Company Benefits

• Health/Wellness, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• NJ Short Term Disability
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement