Vice President of Agricultural Lending

First Farmers & Merchants Bank is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Vice President of Agricultural Lending to join our Austin team. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an agricultural banking professional who is motivated to build a strong loan portfolio, deepen community relationships, with growth potential into future leadership roles based on performance and organizational need. This position is ideal for a lender who excels at both business development and leadership, and who is ready to take the next step toward market-level oversight.

128 North Main Street, Austin, MN 55912

First Farmers & Merchants Bank is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Vice President of Agricultural Lending to join our Austin team. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an agricultural banking professional who is motivated to build a strong loan portfolio, deepen community relationships, with growth potential into future leadership roles based on performance and organizational need. This position is ideal for a lender who excels at both business development and leadership, and who is ready to take the next step toward market-level oversight.

• Develop, manage, and grow a diverse agricultural loan portfolio through new business development and expansion of existing client relationships.
• Evaluate, structure, underwrite, and present agricultural credit requests in compliance with bank policy, regulatory standards, and sound risk management practices.
• Partner closely with credit administration and internal teams to ensure timely, well-supported credit decisions.

• Serve as a visible leader in the Austin and Mower County market representing the bank through active participation in community and business development initiatives. Promote First Farmers & Merchants Bank products and services to support local economic growth and long-term customer success.
• Mentor and collaborate with branch and lending staff to strengthen market performance and customer experience.

• Opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities, including market strategy, performance oversight, and team leadership.
• Will work closely with executive leadership on initiatives, contingent upon performance, experience, and market needs.
• Develop a deep understanding of market-level operations, regulatory expectations, and community banking leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of banking or agricultural lending experience, including credit analysis and portfolio management.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development and relationship management.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to community involvement and customer service excellence.
• Residency in, or willingness to reside within, the Austin or Mower County market.

With deep roots in Minnesota communities, First Farmers & Merchants Bank offers a family-focused culture, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth. We value integrity, teamwork, and local decision-making, and we believe community banks play a vital role in strengthening the local economy.

Minimum starting salary of $100,000 per year, depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, generous paid time off, a 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching.

First Farmers & Merchants Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

First Farmers & Merchants Bank is a family-owned community bank that serves 15 communities in central and southern Minnesota. We strive to be recognized as the financial institution of choice in all of the communities we serve. We continue to be a premier community bank focusing on agricultural and small business lending. We maintain a strong, positive, team-oriented work environment and are recognized as a great place to work.

We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations through the prudent expansion of our products and services and through responsible, profitable growth.