Director, Lending

Overview

First Western is seeking a Director of Lending to join our team! Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity? First Western is seeking a passionate and experienced professional to join our team. As a Director of Lending at First Western, you will play a vital role in helping high-net-worth clients achieve their financial goals. You will work closely with our Banking team to deliver comprehensive solutions that exceed client expectations.

If you are passionate about providing exceptional service to clients and are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this position today.

• Set the direction for our lending products by understanding client needs, market trends, and competitors, making sure our products help bankers win new business.
• Work closely with Relationship Bankers and Sales leaders to keep deals moving, solve bottlenecks, and provide support on loan structures and product options.
• Review loan portfolio data to spot growth opportunities, cross-sell potential, and early risk trends that could impact clients or sales.
• Lead the Lending Portfolio Management team so bankers receive fast, accurate support that improves the client experience and frees them to focus on selling.
• Improve the loan process and our technology systems, including Baker Hill, so loans move from application to closing more quickly and smoothly.
• Coordinate with Credit, Operations, and Risk to align on decisions and make sure our lending strategy supports both business growth and safe banking practices.
• Oversee key specialty lending areas, like construction loans, appraisals, and swaps, ensuring bankers have timely, clear information to support client conversations and close opportunities.

• Lending products
• Credit basics
• Loan operations
• Market trends
• Competitor insights
• Loan systems
• Construction lending
• Appraisal process
• Swap basics

• Clear communication
• Problem solving
• Data analysis
• Team leadership
• Coaching skills
• Process improvement
• Project management
• Strategic thinking

• Build relationships
• Lead through change
• Manage priorities
• Make decisions
• Spot opportunities
• Stay organized
• Drive results

Bachelor's Degree Finance or Business degree or related field Required

10-15 years Lending and Portfolio Management w/ credit analysis experience Required

At First Western, we pride ourselves on our culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. We are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, including ongoing training and development, a competitive compensation package, and a comprehensive benefits program.

Pay Range: $154,000 - $263,000/YR

Job Classification:
Full-Time Exempt

• Strong Bonus Potential
• 401(k) Plan with Match
• Paid Parking/Transportation Benefits
• Access to Training & Professional Development Programs
• Sponsorship for Obtaining Professional Certifications
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Paid Time-Off+ Bank Holidays

Interested in learning more and seeing how we connect? Visit us today at:

Questions? Contact us at

First Western Financial, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all employees. We are fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce by hiring, developing, and retaining talented people from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Individuals from all backgrounds, including non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

First Western Financial, Inc. is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, First Western Financial, Inc. will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact

Region A Pay Range

Pay Range: $154,000 USD - $263,000 USD