Fortcommunity

Director of Commercial Lending & Business Development Position Summary

The Director of Commercial Lending & Business Development is responsible for leading the organization's commercial lending function while driving strategic business development efforts to grow loan portfolios, deepen member relationships, and expand market presence. This role provides vision, leadership, and execution across commercial credit activities, relationship management, and external growth initiatives, while ensuring sound risk management and alignment with organizational goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Commercial Lending Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the commercial lending portfolio, including C&I, commercial real estate, owner-occupied, and related lending products.
• Oversee underwriting, structuring, pricing, and approval of commercial loans in accordance with credit policy, regulatory requirements, and risk appetite.
• Serve as a key credit decision-maker, participating in loan committees as required and ensuring timely, high-quality credit decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance, concentrations, and credit quality, proactively addressing risk and identifying opportunities for optimization.
• Collaborate with credit administration, risk management, and finance to maintain strong controls and compliance standards.

Business Development & Market Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to grow commercial relationships, loan balances, and fee income.
• Cultivate relationships with business owners, centers of influence, and community partners to generate new business opportunities.
• Represent the organization at community, industry, and networking events to enhance brand visibility and market presence.
• Identify new market segments, products, and strategic initiatives to support sustainable growth.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop commercial lenders and business development staff to achieve individual and team performance goals.
• Establish sales and production goals, monitor results, and provide ongoing training and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, member-focused, and high-performance culture aligned with organizational values.

Strategy, Reporting & Collaboration

• Partner with executive leadership to align commercial lending and business development strategies with overall organizational objectives.
• Prepare and present reports on portfolio performance, pipeline activity, market trends, and business development results.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and product development initiatives.
• Ensure an exceptional member experience through responsive service, clear communication, and long-term relationship focus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, with demonstrated success in business development.
• Prior leadership or management experience required.
• Strong understanding of credit analysis, underwriting, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to generate new business and build long-term commercial relationships.
• Strong credit judgment and analytical skills with the ability to balance growth and risk.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and deliver measurable results.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office‑based with regular travel throughout the market area for business development, client meetings, and community events.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. The employee may be asked to perform other related duties as assigned.