Director, Commercial Lending

About the position

First Entertainment Credit Union is looking for a strategic, results-driven Director, Commercial Lending who will oversee the overall day-to-day operations of our commercial lending department, including originations, underwriting, processing, funding and portfolio review functions of the business, ensuring a profitable and well-managed loan portfolio. This Director, Commercial Lending works closely with other stakeholders to develop and enhance Commercial (e.g., CRE, C&I) loan products and services to elevate the competitive position of First Entertainment in these channels. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in commercial lending and can demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills. The Director, Commercial Lending plays a critical role in sharing the bottom-line responsibility for achieving Commercial loan growth, department efficiency and profitability, and sound portfolio management. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity reporting to the VP, Lending and is based in Hollywood, CA. The targeted pay in California is $125,000 to $155,000.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor the strategic and operational activities of the commercial lending department as well as identifying new business opportunities and market segments.
• Develop and implement lending strategies to achieve business growth and profitability targets.
• Lead and manage the commercial lending team, providing mentorship and support.
• Be the subject matter expert, representing the Commercial Loan Department. Stay updated on market trends and regulatory changes affecting commercial lending and effectively communicate these trends.
• Oversee the Commercial underwriting process to ensure sound credit decisions and risk management. Ensure loans are administered in accordance with loan policy as well as compliance with applicable laws, regulations and other credit union policies.
• Represent Commercial lending services and administration to examiners, auditors, and others to maintain compliance with examinations, audits, and applicable regulations & policies.
• Partner with our sales teams to ensure that loan product acquisition and retention through the sales channel is properly coordinated. Utilize available resources to ensure a smooth workflow between commercial lending and business services.
• Proactively research and develop Commercial products, services, and innovative concepts to introduce into the Credit Union portfolio to maintain a competitive position in Commercial loan and related services.
• Review, approve and present credit presentations completed by your team. Provide coaching and feedback, where necessary.
• Develop budgets, policies and procedures for Commercial products and services including, but not limited to, CRE and C&I loans, loan participations, rates, pricing, underwriting and funding, and back-office administration, and related reporting.
• Reviews market trends and conditions to make recommendations for setting competitive loans, and related products and services.
• Collaborate with internal functions, such as underwriting, risk management, and compliance, to streamline processes, resolve issues, and ensure timely loan closings.
• Work with regulatory bodies, including but not limited to, NCUA, DBO, SBA, and others, to gain access to products and services and secure regulatory approvals as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in commercial lending in a full-service financial institution or comparable experience in a related position.
• Experience in SBA loan underwriting is a plus, but not required.
• At least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial modeling, credit analysis, and commercial loan underwriting for C&I and CRE Lending.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and structure Commercial loan proposals and pricing.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment and mitigation principles.
• Thorough knowledge of regulations applicable to essential responsibilities.
• Ability to read, speak and write clearly to convey information effectively. Attention to detail is imperative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of audience.
• Proven ability to drive results and manage a team effectively.
• Proficiency in loan origination software, and Microsoft Office suite, namely excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in SBA loan underwriting