Business Specialist

Job Summary

Develops and maintains profitable small business banking relationships within the Consumer Bank by focusing on the holistic and long‑term needs of business owners and their businesses. As a specialist and trusted advisor, responsibilities include identifying needs, recommending deposit, treasury, and loan products, negotiating terms, coordinating loan approvals and closings, opening and managing deposit accounts, and referring clients to key partners within the company.

• Execute and achieve the stated goals and objectives of the retail bank and consumer bank strategy; proactively engage and pursue activities that support this effort.
• Collaborate with retail teams, district and region leadership, other segment specialists and advisors, and external partners.
• Develop and implement strategies and plans to engage districts and markets; establish behaviors and routines to achieve success in the small business segment.
• Maintain, deepen, and grow client relationships focusing on small‑business credit and deposit exposure.
• Initiate and maintain client and prospect contact through timely and relevant contact strategy, including in‑center interactions, telemarketing, digital outreach, and participation in outside activities and events.
• Create personal sales plans and strategies for assigned districts and region; follow up on leads and campaigns to win new core small‑business relationships, anchored with a small‑business checking account.
• Coordinate new loan origination requests, conduct loan closings, open new small‑business banking deposit accounts, and take a holistic approach to client needs, referring other bank products and services as necessary.
• Provide consulting support to the business program manager and retail leadership on challenging or complex situations with small‑business clients; identify new introductions and opportunities.
• Serve as liaison and knowledge resource for financial center teams and associates regarding small‑business products, services, promotions, and program enhancements.
• Provide leadership, feedback and guidance within the small‑business segment to improve the program and ensure long‑term success.
• Participate in marketing and sales promotions focused on the small‑business segment within the districts and region; contribute to initiatives that promote the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Comply with all bank, loan and regulatory guidelines and policies, maintaining operational excellence with loans and deposits within the portfolio.
• Identify and develop the small‑business client segment book of business; provide in‑market support and involvement in fostering client relationships and uncovering opportunities.
• Act as a client’s personal trusted advisor by adding value and building deep relationships using the First Client Conversation Model.
• Participate and lead in the First Financial Bank Experience; be active in site huddles, district and region meetings.
• Consistently meet or exceed sales and referral goals set by management through effective collaboration with lines of business.
• Provide coaching and feedback to financial center teams in referral and sales activities with a special focus on the small‑business client segment.
• Hold periodic meetings with district and market leadership, regional presidents, and key stakeholders to align resources around plans and prioritize actions.
• Create powerful strategic partnerships with internal and external partners to establish priorities and identify needs in the small‑business space.
• Leverage community connections to market campaigns, promotions, and products applicable to small businesses and their owners/employees.
• Accountable for the district and region’s performance from a small‑business development perspective; lead coaching, development and performance management activities.
• Assist clients with SBA loan applications; lead the process with the SBA team and processors, ensuring proper policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory procedures (BSA, Check 21, CIP, CRA, HMDA, Reg B, Reg D, Reg E, Reg CC, Truth in Savings, Privacy Compliance, Patriot Act).

• 3‑4 years…