Vice President Commercial Lender

A well-established, family-owned community bank in Kalispell, Montana is seeking an experienced VP of Lending to join its leadership team. This individual will play a key role in originating, managing, and growing a diversified loan portfolio with a primary focus on commercial lending while serving as a trusted advisor to customers and a visible representative of the bank throughout the Flathead Valley.

This opportunity offers the ability to work within a relationship-driven organization where lending decisions are made locally and collaboration across the leadership team is highly valued. The ideal candidate will bring a strong commercial lending background, advanced credit and loan structuring expertise, proven business development capabilities, and a genuine commitment to community banking.

The VP of Lending will manage a substantial and complex loan portfolio, develop new commercial relationships, participate in Loan Committee and strategic initiatives, and provide mentorship and guidance to lending staff. This individual will work closely with bank leadership to support sound credit quality, customer growth, and the continued success of the organization.

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and service commercial, commercial real estate, consumer, and residential real estate loan relationships
• Manage a substantial and complex loan portfolio while maintaining strong credit quality and sound risk management practices
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, collateral, industry trends, and credit information to evaluate borrower risk
• Structure loan requests that meet customer needs while adhering to bank policy and sound lending principles
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively manage customer relationships and credit exposure
• Renew, amend, extend, and restructure credit facilities within delegated lending authority
• Present loan requests and credit recommendations to Loan Committee and Board of Directors as required
• Serve as a commercial lending specialist with expertise in business lending, commercial real estate financing, and complex credit structures
• Develop new commercial loan opportunities through networking, referrals, calling efforts, and community involvement
• Cultivate relationships with business owners, attorneys, accountants, real estate professionals, and other centers of influence
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships through deposit growth and additional banking services
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the Kalispell and Flathead Valley market through community involvement and relationship development
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor by understanding customers' businesses, goals, and long-term financial needs
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to deliver comprehensive banking solutions and exceptional customer service
• Provide mentorship and guidance to lending staff as assigned
• Participate in Loan Committee, strategic initiatives, policy development, and process improvement efforts
• Support the Chief Lending Officer in achieving the bank's lending and growth objectives
• Assist with succession planning and talent development within the lending team
• Monitor delinquent accounts and coordinate collection activities when necessary
• Conduct collateral inspections, site visits, and ongoing portfolio reviews
• Ensure complete, accurate, and compliant loan documentation
• Maintain compliance with applicable banking regulations and internal policies, including BSA, AML, OFAC, Fair Lending, CRA, and other regulatory requirements
• Participate in business development initiatives, community events, industry associations, and other activities that strengthen the bank's presence in the market

• Bachelor's degree…