Managing Director, Commercial Bank Strategic Planning

Managing Director, Commercial Bank Strategic Planning

Job Category
:
Relationship Management/Sales

Requisition Number
: MANAG
012957

• Posted :
  September 25, 2026
• Full-Time

Showing 1 location

Indianapolis HQ
Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Managing Director, Commercial Bank Strategic Planning to join our team! This position is responsible for leading the Commercial Line of Business strategic planning, forecasting, growth analytics, strategic investments process, and executive decision-support capabilities. Serves as a key strategic advisor to the Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Bank Leadership Team, and Executive Director, Commercial Support, Planning & Analytics.

The position is expected to have high visibility to the Bank’s Commercial Leadership Team and support the objectives of the Executive Management Team (EMT). The position is responsible for establishing a forward-looking planning framework that links strategy, business performance, growth initiatives, resource allocation, and shareholder value creation. Responsible for supporting strategic planning, performance management, growth initiatives, investment prioritization, and resource deployment across Commercial Banking business segments representing approximately 75-80% of enterprise revenue.

Accountable for development and governance of the Commercial Bank operating plan, long-range strategic plan, and growth agenda across all Commercial Banking business segments. The role is accountable for transforming the Commercial Analytics team from primarily historical reporting to proactive, forward-looking strategic planning and performance management.

As part of this role you will:

• Scope
  • Commercial Line of Business responsibility across all business segments (Community, Middle Market, Upper Middle Market, Asset Backed Lending, Investment Real Estate, Sponsor Finance, and Treasury Management & Merchant Services).
  • Strategic partner to Commercial Bank Leadership Team (CBLT).
  • Primary owner of Commercial Bank planning and forecasting processes.
  • Responsible for development of long-range financial planning and growth frameworks.
  • Supports EMT-level strategic planning and performance discussions.
  • Leads evaluation of enterprise growth initiatives and strategic investments.
  • Supports strategic planning, performance management, and investment decision making across Commercial Banking business segments representing approximately 75-80% of enterprise revenue.
• Commercial Bank Strategic Planning
  • Lead development of annual and long-range strategic planning processes.
  • Translate enterprise strategy into measurable financial and operational objectives.
  • Develop multi-year growth, profitability, and investment allocation scenarios.
  • Facilitate strategic planning across business segments and corporate functions.
  • Assess market expansion opportunities, segment growth strategies, competitive positioning, customer acquisition initiatives, and relationship expansion opportunities.
  • Partner with executive leadership to evaluate strategic alternatives and future growth opportunities.
• Team and Capability Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop strategic planning professionals.
  • Establish repeatable planning processes and improve reporting quality and efficiency.
• Commercial Bank Forecasting & Performance Management
  • Establish forecasting capabilities across all business segments.
  • Implement driver-based planning methodologies.
  • Lead rolling forecasts and long-range financial outlooks.
  • Refine performance measurement frameworks and management scorecards.
• Growth Strategy & Business Performance
  • Partner with business leaders to identify growth opportunities.
  • Develop recommendations regarding deployment of resources across geographies, customer segments, and product lines.
  • Establish growth metrics and strategic performance indicators.
• Strategic Investment Management
  • Lead financial evaluation of strategic investments and enterprise initiatives.
  • Lead evaluation and recommendation of investment opportunities and resource allocation decisions impacting growth, profitability, and shareholder value creation.
  • Partner with Credit, Risk Management, and Finance to evaluate growth opportunities using risk-adjusted return frameworks.
• Executive Leadership & Strategic Decision Support
  • Support development and presentation of strategic analyses and performance insights for EMT and Board-level reviews.
  • Partner with executive leadership to develop long-range growth objectives and planning priorities.
  • Provide objective…