The Business Loan Officer is a commercial and agricultural lender responsible for independently developing, analyzing, structuring, originating, and managing a commercial and agricultural loan portfolio. The position exercises sound and independent credit judgment within established lending authority and is responsible for building strong member relationships, generating new lending opportunities, and managing portfolio performance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Business Loan Officer position is made up of three different levels, Business Loan Officer 1, 2 and 3. Each level represents a loan officer with varying levels of lending knowledge, experience, production capabilities, portfolio management, relationship building and underwriting skills. A description of the levels are as follows: Business Loan Officer 1 – Entry level position with a focus on basic tasks and support, with close supervision and training. Business Loan Officer 2 – Mid level position that involves a greater range of responsibilities with more independence and sound judgment. Business Loan Officer 3 – Advanced level position that involves managing a more complex portfolio with a high level of experience and expertise with very little to no supervision required. All Business Loan Officers are responsible for the below tasks.

• Independently meet with existing and prospective members to identify borrowing needs, develop lending opportunities, and build long-term relationships.
• Independently gather, analyze, and evaluate financial, credit, collateral, and other information necessary to make sound lending recommendations.
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, repayment capacity, collateral, industry trends, and other relevant factors to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Structure and negotiate commercial and agricultural loans to appropriately meet member needs while managing risk and adhering to Credit Union policies, regulations, and lending limitations.
• Prepare and present complete and well-supported credit recommendations.
• Independently manage an assigned commercial and agricultural loan portfolio, including monitoring financial performance, collateral, insurance, covenant compliance, payment performance, and other factors affecting credit quality.
• Develop new member relationships by actively pursuing new lending and business development opportunities.
• Conduct onsite visits to businesses and other collateral locations, as appropriate, to understand operations, financial performance, management, collateral, and future borrowing needs.
• Identify potential credit concerns and develop appropriate strategies to protect the Credit Union’s interests. 
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of loan documentation and communicate loan terms, requirements, and obligations to members.
• Maintain complete and accurate loan and relationship files and document relevant member communications and activities.
• Demonstrate a helpful, professional, and member-focused approach while providing exceptional member service.
• Exercise independent judgment within established lending authority and make recommendations regarding loan approvals, renewals, modifications, and other credit actions.
• Continue to develop expertise in commercial and agricultural lending trends, industries, and practices.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to other employees regarding business lending products, processes, and member relationships.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Work Relationships and Scope: Reports directly to the Business Lending Manager. Will have regular contact with members and employees of the Lending Department. 

Performance Dimensions:

• Must maintain the integrity of confidential business information and follow all guidelines on confidentiality.
• Provide outstanding services to co-workers & members.
• Possess the ability to attend to numerous details with frequent interruptions under the stress of maintaining courteous, effective, and timely relations with a variety of individuals and personalities.
• Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed.  
• Is punctual, flexible, reliable, and demonstrates a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Possess ability to gain the trust and respect of members, management, and employees. Also maintains a positive, professional, team-oriented working relationship with staff and outside vendors.
• Enhance job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.  
• Three years of experience in a lending department preferred. Experience in interviewing preferred. Professional sales experience beneficial.
• Knowledge of the consumer, commercial, agricultural loan policies, credit granting criteria, interest rates and how they are computed, and required documentation for each type of loan needed.  
• Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehend consequences of various situations and refer them to the appropriate staff for resolution.
• Manager personal workflow and meet deadlines by being organized, detailed, and task oriented.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work with a wide range of personalities in a courteous, effective, and efficient manner.  
• Ability to attend to numerous details, with frequent interruptions, under the stress of maintaining courteous, accurate and timely relations with a variety of individuals.
• Knowledge and ability to apply current financial service industry standards, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely. 
• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient operation of a variety of general office equipment such as a computer, software applications, typewriter, copier, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine and other similar devices or programs related to the position.

Working Conditions:

Job Conditions/Work Location: The majority of work will be performed in a normal office environment. There will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines, education and other concerns. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Will make periodic visits to branch locations.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time, regularly access files (some standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, lifting up to 50 lbs and carrying of usually light materials.) Frequent mental and visual concentration required for computer usage.

Equipment Used: Various software programs, telephone, computer, copy machine, calculator, fax machine, and other office equipment.

Hazards: Only those present in a normal office setting; no known hazards. In the course of working with the public, the employee may, on a very limited basis, encounter abusive, aggressive or unpredictable threatening behavior. Must observe safety and security practices at all times.  

Acknowledgment: This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the President. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.