Relationship Manager

VP / SVP Ag Relationship Manager

Bakersfield, CA · Hybrid

Our client is a premier financial services provider to agricultural producers across North America and part of a global banking leader with over $660 billion in total assets and operations in more than 40 countries. In California, they serve the lower middle market by partnering with growers, processors, and ranchers across diversified agriculture offering a full suite of debt solutions, Treasury Management, crop insurance, and hedging products.

They are seeking an experienced VP or SVP level Ag Relationship Manager to join their Bakersfield team (hybrid). This is an opportunity to work with sophisticated ag clients, manage complex credits, and help shape the bank’s presence in one of California’s most important agricultural markets.

What You’ll Do

Be the Go-To Advisor for Your Clients

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned bank clients.
• Advise on loan options, structures, and pricing, while proactively identifying opportunities to cross-sell the bank’s broader suite of services.
• Set and manage borrower expectations around timing, process, and requirements for underwriting, documenting, and closing commercial ag loans.

Grow and Deepen Relationships

• Build, maintain, and expand a strong network of internal and external referral sources, including appraisers, attorneys, CPAs, other bankers, and title companies.
• Develop and execute a targeted calling plan and prospect list. Capture all client, prospect, and Center of Influence (COI) activities in Salesforce in a timely, accurate manner.
• Represent the bank at ag shows, ag-related seminars, local public and community events, and other food & ag industry gatherings on a regular basis (at least quarterly).

Coach, Coordinate, and Elevate the Team

• Oversee the work of Financial Analysts (FAs) assigned to your office to ensure high-quality, comprehensive financial analysis and credit underwriting.
• Provide coaching and support to Junior Relationship Managers as needed, helping develop the next generation of ag bankers.

Own Risk & Portfolio Management

• Use Salesforce as your primary platform for documenting work and nCino for credit applications and processing.
• Proactively identify risks or credit issues that fall outside policy and escalate appropriately to management and credit administration.
• Stay current on and comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and internal policies and procedures. Understand and follow the bank’s anti–money laundering procedures, compliance requirements, and related regulations.
• Uphold the bank’s code of conduct and all company policies. Complete all mandatory quarterly training on time.

What You Bring

• 7 years of food & ag commercial lending experience with a deep understanding of diversified production agriculture.
• A self-motivated, market-facing mindset with a passion for telling the bank’s story and expanding its footprint.
• Strong technical knowledge of Ag and commercial loan structures, including Asset-Based Lending (ABL), Agricultural Real Estate (land & real property), equipment term loans and working capital loans.
• Solid knowledge in loan documentation and perfection of liens/mortgages on real estate, crops, inventory, machinery, and real property.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities while managing a portfolio of agricultural commodities, wine, and ag clients - performing detailed financial and risk analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a genuine commitment to high-touch client service.
• Enjoy working collaboratively with the Bakersfield team and other internal cross-functional partners on a regular basis.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary:
• VP: $150K – $170K
• SVP: $175K - $200K
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Company vehicle
• Comprehensive health benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision, plus health care and dependent care spending accounts
• 401(k) program with up to 6% match plus an additional 3% safe harbor match
• Basic life insurance and AD&D, with optional additional life insurance. Plus, short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement to support your ongoing professional development

DEI & Equal Opportunity

Our client is deeply committed to being an equal opportunity employer in an inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Harassment on any of these bases is strictly prohibited.

How to Apply

For confidential consideration, please email your resume in Word format along with your salary expectations to: Samantha@talentconnections.com