Commercial Loan Officer – SBA Specialist

Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist

Location: Fort Myers, FL

Work Arrangement: In Person

Salary: Competitive Base Pay performance-based bonus

Position Summary

A well-established community bank is seeking an experienced Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist to originate, structure, underwrite, and manage a portfolio of commercial and SBA-backed loans.

This role will focus heavily on SBA 7(a) and 504 lending, while also supporting conventional commercial lending, including C&I and CRE transactions. The position combines strong business development and relationship management with credit analysis, portfolio management, and loan structuring.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in commercial lending, hands-on SBA experience, strong financial analysis skills, and an established network within the Southwest Florida business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new commercial lending opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals, community involvement, and relationship building.
• Originate SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for working capital, equipment, real estate, business acquisitions, startups, and other eligible purposes.
• Originate conventional C&I, CRE, and other commercial loans as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, professionals, CPAs, attorneys, brokers, and other referral partners.
• Generate new loan volume, deposits, and fee income while meeting established production goals.
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, cash flow projections, collateral, and other borrower information.
• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness and repayment capacity.
• Structure loans involving appropriate amounts, rates, collateral, guarantees, covenants, and other terms.
• Ensure SBA transactions meet applicable eligibility requirements, guaranty standards, fees, and SBA SOP requirements.
• Prepare detailed credit memoranda and present loan requests to senior management and/or Loan Committee.
• Negotiate loan terms and documentation with borrowers and their advisors.
• Manage an assigned commercial and SBA loan portfolio and monitor borrower performance.
• Conduct annual reviews, covenant monitoring, risk-rating updates, and other portfolio management activities.
• Identify potential credit issues and take proactive steps to address them.
• Partner with loan administration, underwriting, credit, legal, compliance, and closing teams to ensure accurate and timely loan processing and funding.
• Assist with workout activities and management of problem loans when required.
• Maintain compliance with applicable banking regulations, including BSA/AML, Reg B, fair lending requirements, internal credit policies, and SBA guidelines.
• Participate in local chambers of commerce, business organizations, networking events, and economic development activities.
• Represent the bank professionally throughout the Southwest Florida business community.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• 5 years of commercial lending experience.
• 2-3 years of direct SBA lending experience, preferably with SBA 7(a) and/or 504 programs.
• Experience in a community or regional banking environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success in commercial loan production and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of commercial credit analysis, financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and credit risk.
• Working knowledge of SBA eligibility requirements and SBA SOP.
• Experience with SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) is a plus.
• Strong business development and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to present and explain complex credit information to senior management or Loan Committees.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to regulatory compliance.
• Ability to travel locally throughout Southwest Florida and maintain a strong presence in the business community.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing book of business or established professional network in Southwest Florida.
• Knowledge of local industries such as tourism, real estate, healthcare, professional services, marine, and small business.
• Prior lending authority or experience presenting commercial credit requests to Loan Committees.
• Formal commercial credit training or equivalent hands-on credit underwriting experience.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Base Pay
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% employer-paid health insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off, minimum 15 days
• 11 paid federal holidays
• Stock options
  
  

Work Location: Fort Myers, FL - In Person