Job Description:
First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $5+ billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.
The Senior Commercial Relationship Manager is a relationship and sales position responsible for managing, retaining, and expanding a portfolio of commercial clients, including complex relationships vital to the bank. This individual will generate new client relationships for the Bank and assume responsibility for all aspects of credit management, including measuring risk through regular financial analysis and assessing financial condition. This manager will be given defined authority for loan approval and denial of any loan. In addition, this position actively participates in managing and training of our Commercial underwriting and lending teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required with a focus in accounting, business, economics, or finance preferred.
• Minimum of ten years in commercial lending required.
• Demonstrated and proven expertise in driving business development and commercial lending growth within a targeted market is required.
• Must be professional and comfortable speaking with an ability to tailor the message appropriately based on the situation.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• This position requires regular travel to various locations throughout the Bank’s market; occasional out-of-state travel may be required.
• Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank’s customer service standards.

• Identify and generate new client relationships through sales calls, referrals and networking. Utilize expertise in selling, structuring, and closing new large and complex commercial lending deals.
• Maintain and expand relationships with professional firms in the regional market including Accountants, Lawyers, Private Equity and Investment Banking Sponsors to introduce and sell First American Bank products and services.
• Provide expert advice, counsel, and manage a portfolio of commercial business clients through regular contact and responsive high-level customer service, including the management of complex and large relationship with First American Bank.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the intricate structuring of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans. Guide Commercial Relationship & Portfolio Managers with underwriting and closing complex commercial loans.
• Assist in the development and career advancement of the team members to help develop their sales techniques and develop their own network of clients, prospects, and centers of influence. Provide opportunities for them to initiate new business through CRM leads and networking events.
• Manage assigned signing authority, through discretion and independent judgment, for loan and credit approval for business customers, including assessment of cash flow, collateral, loan structure, and pricing.
• Sell a broad range of products and services to customers, including Treasury Management, Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Trade Finance.
• Maintain a deep understanding of all aspects of the commercial loan transaction process, including decisions on credit approving, loan pricing, collateral provisioning, and loan structuring.
• Manage all facets of the loan production process, including underwriting, documentation, closing, and ongoing servicing.
• Responsible for the collection of loans, review of overdrawn accounts, and loan workouts.
• May directly manage the daily activities of Commercial Credit Analysts with the Commercial Lending department, coordinating and prioritizing requisite duties and daily assignments while appraising employee productivity and performance. Monitor staff attendance, work standards, and adherence to company policies. Compose and deliver performance evaluations.
• May be responsible for employee hiring, training, staff development, timecard approval, scheduling, and direct assistance with coverage of daily workloads when needed. Facilitate the cross training of staff to ensure that all shifts have adequate coverage at all times.
• Exemplify best practices in loan analysis and credit assessment to set a high standard for the analysts.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.