Loan Operations Manager

607 South Smith Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55107

Help drive operational excellence that supports exceptional lending experiences!
At Bank Cherokee, we believe successful lending requires strong operational expertise behind every loan. As Loan Operations Manager, you'll lead a team responsible for supporting the loan lifecycle from onboarding and closing through servicing and portfolio maintenance. This role partners with commercial and home equity lenders to deliver accurate, compliant, and efficient loan operations while continuously improving processes that support our clients, employees, and strategic goals.

The Loan Operations Manager leads Bank Cherokee’s loan operations function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant support throughout the commercial and home equity loan lifecycle. Serving as both a department leader and loan operations expert, this role builds strong partnerships with lenders, develops a high-performing team, and drives operational excellence, risk management, and continuous improvement across loan operations.

• Lead loan onboarding, closing, servicing, and support activities to ensure an efficient experience.
• Manage, coach, and develop a knowledgeable and accountable Loan Operations team.
• Oversee loan documentation, booking, collateral administration, payment processing, and exception resolution.
• Ensure compliance with lending regulations, internal controls, audit, and risk management practices.
• Improve processes, workflows, systems, and technology solutions to support operational efficiency and scalability.

We're seeking an experienced banking professional who enjoys leading people, solving operational challenges, and building strong partnerships across the organization. Qualifications also include:

• Seven or more years of banking experience with progressive responsibility in commercial, SBA, and home equity loan operations, loan documentation, credit administration, or related functions.
• Three or more years of lead, supervisory, or management experience.
• Experience managing loan operations processes, loan documentation, onboarding, servicing, collateral administration, operational controls, and compliance activities.
• Strong knowledge of banking regulations, risk management practices, and loan operations best practices.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• College degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Experience with FiServ, Director, and Abrigo systems ideal

• Be part of a family-owned community bank that values relationships, teamwork, and exceptional client service.
• Play an important role in helping clients while supporting the success and development of team members.
• Work alongside leaders committed to creating great career stories and investing in employee growth.
• Competitive compensation based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities. Position range is $20.00 minimum to $28.71 per hour maximum, with potential start rate range between $23.00 to $26.00 per hour.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, accident/critical care, and life insurance; HSA with company contribution; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; paid volunteer time; donation matching; education reimbursement; paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Bank Cherokee is a family-owned community bank serving the Twin Cities for more than a century. Guided by our values of Great People, Collaborative, Precise, Committed, and Trusted, we build lasting relationships and help our clients, communities, and employees thrive.