Junior Commercial Loan Officer (Finance)
Role:
The Junior Commercial Loan Officer is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of commercial lending relationships, primarily with total exposure under $2 million. This early-career role focuses on business development, relationship support, credit evaluation, deposit generation, and cross-functional collaboration. While working independently on smaller deals, the Junior Officer will also support senior lenders on larger, more complex relationships. This position is a mix of sales, financial analysis, and customer relationship management, with a strong emphasis on learning and development.
This position is based in Buffalo, NY, and follows a Hybrid Model, requiring a minimum of 5 in-office days per month. The specific office location will alternate between our Buffalo branch locations, depending on business needs.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
35% Business Development & Relationship Management:
- Independently solicit and manage commercial lending relationships with total exposure typically under $2MM.
- Identify and generate deposit and cash management opportunities in coordination with internal partners.
- Cross-sell financial services by understanding client needs and referring to appropriate departments.
- Collaborate with senior lenders and Business Development Officers to support larger or more complex opportunities.
20% Credit Evaluation & Documentation:
- Assess financial information to evaluate creditworthiness for small-to-midsize commercial borrowers.
- Prepare and submit accurate loan packages to underwriting.
- Assist with renewals and annual reviews for loans under $2MM.
- Support documentation and financial analysis tasks for larger deals managed by senior officers.
15% Branch Collaboration:
- Work closely with branch managers to identify and pursue local lending and deposit opportunities.
- Provide support in responding to business leads generated by front-line staff.
10% Production Goals:
- Responsible for achieving Tier I loan production goals of approximately $5MM–$8MM annually.
- Maintain an active calling schedule and pipeline of opportunities.
10% Marketing & Promotions:
- Partner with Marketing to promote Commercial Lending products and services in the community.
- Represent the CU at local events, business expos, and networking functions.
5% Collections Support:
- Support efforts to resolve delinquencies in small business loans.
- Assist in communications and administrative follow-up related to past-due accounts.
5% Perform all other duties as assigned.
Performance Measurements:
See Dayforce (HRIS) Performance Management for Goals upon start in role, and annually.
Knowledge and Skills:
Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in commercial lending, banking, credit analysis, or a related financial services role is required. Internship or academic experience with a focus on finance or commercial banking may be considered.
Education: A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
Interpersonal Skills: This role involves frequent, sensitive interactions with others. The ability to motivate, influence, and train is crucial. Building strong relationships with external entities, including clients and partners, is essential and often requires persuasive communication. Self-motivation is key to sourcing new business opportunities.
Other Skills:
- Ability to evaluate financial data and make informed recommendations.
- Effective problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Proficient in written and verbal communication.
- Time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn internal systems.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods at a time, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This Job Description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.
