Commercial Lending Associate

Job Summary

At Vantage Bank, we are committed to supporting our customers, valuing our employees, embracing diversity, fostering meaningful connections, and providing outstanding service at every step. The Commercial Lending Associate assists the Commercial Relationship Manager in underwriting and coordinating the closing of complex consumer, residential, equipment, SBA, commercial building, and business loans in compliance with the bank’s lending policies and procedures. The Associate works on credit and collateral exceptions, past‑due accounts, and promotes business for the bank by maintaining good customer relations and referring customers to the appropriate staff for additional products and services.

They support the Commercial Relationship Manager in achieving established bank, regional, and branch goals through active participation in sales management and officer call programs.

• Interview prospective applicants and request specified information related to loan or credit applications; correspond with applicants to resolve questions regarding application information.
• Perform prequalification assessment and analysis of the financial condition and risk of financing requests within the framework of the bank’s credit culture and current economic and industry trends.
• Gather and analyze all information necessary to present a financing request to Senior Management or the Loan Committee for approval.
• Meet with existing and prospective customers, conduct site visits, negotiate loan terms and conditions, and refer purchased loans to the Chief Credit Officer or Loan Committee.
• Coordinate processing of approved loans, ensuring they meet agreement, customer needs, and comply with bank lending policies.
• Obtain sufficient information and documentation from customers, solving problems related to processing and servicing loans within the assigned portfolio.
• Approve loan disbursements in accordance with agreements and ensure credit inquiries and UCC filings are researched to determine creditworthiness and appropriate collateral positioning.
• Ensure certification or deletion of collateral is performed by the appropriate personnel and authorizes renewals of credit facilities.
• Assist in approving draws from lines of credit and fund transfers within specified limits.
• Apply superior customer service and follow‑through with involved customers and employees.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors, and competition.
• Represent the bank in various community, civic, and reinvestment functions to enhance the bank’s image and develop additional business.
• Cross‑sell the bank’s other products and services, referring customers to the appropriate staff as indicated.
• Respond to inquiries or refer to the appropriate department or person, exhibiting necessary follow‑through with customers or staff involved.
• Consistently apply advanced decision‑making techniques and approve requests within assigned limits, using these instances as learning tools for employee development.
• Process, solve, and answer complex customer transactions, problems, or inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with all bank policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal banking regulations, including BSA, CIP, and OFAC requirements.
• Assist commercial lenders in managing credit and collateral exceptions and past‑due accounts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, a related field, or equivalent experience required.
• Accounting or Finance degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of related commercial banking experience required.
• Prior work experience in financial analysis preferred.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Excellent analytical, time‑management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to multi‑task in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Windows, and internet research.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle complex…