Commercial Loan Officer

Join a team committed to strengthening our local communities through trusted financial guidance. Our lending roles help individuals, families, and businesses move forward with confidence by providing personalized support and building lasting relationships.

At First State, we look for team members who genuinely care about people’s goals and financial futures. If you're someone who enjoys relationship-building, thoughtful problem-solving, and having a direct impact on the success of your community, this is the place for you.

Job Title: Commercial Loan Officer

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Chief Lending Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Job Summary: The Commercial Loan Officer manages a portfolio of commercial lending relationships and provides lending solutions to new and existing business customers. This role is responsible for business development, credit analysis, loan structuring, and ongoing portfolio management for commercial and commercial real estate loans. The Commercial Loan Officer works closely with internal lending support staff to ensure complete, compliant loan files and proactively manages credit risk to protect the Bank from loss.

Essential Functions:

Job Specific:

• Develop, manage, and service a portfolio of commercial and commercial real estate loans, including operating lines of credit, term loans, owner-occupied and investor real estate, SBA loans, and other business lending products.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, executives, and key decision-makers by understanding their operations, financial needs, and long-term goals.
• Proactively identify opportunities to expand relationships through additional credit, deposit, and treasury management services.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to monitor financial performance, covenant compliance, and early warning signs of credit deterioration.
• Actively manage past-due, criticized, or problem loans in collaboration with the Chief Lending Officer and loan committee.
• Analyze business and personal financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, global debt service coverage, collateral, and guarantor strength.
• Structure loans that align with borrower needs while adhering to First State’s credit policies, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements.
• Negotiate loan terms, pricing, collateral, guarantees, and repayment structures with customers.
• Prepare and present loan requests to loan committee when exceeding individual lending authority.
• Identify deteriorating credit situations and escalate concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Collect, review, and verify all required loan documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Collaborate with lending assistants and processors to obtain third-party reports, including appraisals, environmental reviews, credit reports, and title work.
• Oversee loan closings and fundings to ensure accuracy, proper documentation, and timely completion.
• Maintain thorough, organized, and compliant loan files using established checklists and documentation standards.
• Stay current on applicable lending regulations, bank policies, and underwriting standards.
• Actively generate new commercial lending opportunities through networking, referrals, and participation in community and business events.
• Represent First State Bank professionally within the business community.
• Cross-sell appropriate deposit, cash management, and fee-based services to support full relationship banking.
• Maintain required loan reports and documentation, including SBA reporting as applicable.
• Utilize bank systems such as Navigator, Director, Sageworks, and Laser Pro efficiently and accurately.
• Assist with audits, loan reviews, and regulatory examinations as needed.
• Communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, and external partners via phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person meetings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support lending and Bank operations.

Bank Specific:

• Exhibit professionalism in appearance and attitude, maintaining confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times.
• Provide timely assistance and support to both co-workers and customers, ensuring exceptional service and accurate information.
• Demonstrate a commitment to The First State Way by upholding First State’s customer service standards in all interactions, fostering positive relationships with both external customers and internal team members.
• Adhere to regular attendance, punctuality, and break schedules.
• Take responsibility for personal actions and be accountable for performance.
• Promote and cross-sell company services while participating in training opportunities as required.
• Remain vigilant and knowledgeable about crisis procedures, including emergency protocols such as robbery.
• Comply with all bank policies, procedures, and regulations, and report any concerns to Human Resources or upper-level management immediately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office machinery.
• Attentive to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Effective at interacting with customers, management, and other employees.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexible and able to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Well-organized with a courteous and diplomatic approach.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and strong organizational skills.
• Able to hear and communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and external contacts.
• Proficient in reading and writing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting and/or commensurate experience in consumer and/or commercial loans required.
• At least 1 year of commercial lending experience preferred; additional experience is a plus.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license required.

Physical Demands:

• Engage in routine physical activities such as walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to read reports and use a computer effectively.
• Lift and carry items up to 30 pounds daily, including file boxes and office supplies.

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors in an environmentally controlled setting.
• Occasional travel by car to visit other company locations may be required.
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work to achieve established goals.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee.