Agricultural & Commercial Lending Specialist

Gpac; Mount Carmel (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Gpac is seeking an Agricultural Loan Officer to help farmers and rural communities access funding, purchase property, and grow operations. You’ll build relationships through on-site meetings, understand financial needs, and provide tailored lending solutions.

In a small, team-oriented environment, you’ll analyze financial statements, structure and present loan requests, coordinate with credit and operations, and promote bank products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years lending experience, preferably in agricultural and/or commercial banking
• Strong understanding of ag operations, crop and livestock production, and rural business challenges
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of banking regulations, loan documentation, and risk management practices
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, team-oriented environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and loan processing software
• Be able to lift / carry up to 50 lbs
• Be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Responsibilities

• Develop strong personal relationships with clients, understand financial needs, and provide lending solutions that support growth and long-term success
• Work closely with internal staff to ensure smooth loan processes and exceptional customer service
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with agricultural producers, business owners, and community leaders
• Conduct regular client meetings and on-site visits to understand operational needs, financial goals, and evolving challenges
• Act as a trusted advisor and problem-solver, offering strategic advice and tailored solutions
• Serve as a liaison between lending and other departments to ensure alignment on client strategy and service delivery
• Proactively identify and pursue new loan and deposit opportunities through regular calling on prospective and existing agricultural and commercial clients
• Develop and execute a structured calling plan to build a strong pipeline of qualified prospects
• Represent the bank at local agricultural events, business gatherings, and community activities
• Build partnerships with centers of influence such as accountants, attorneys, farm advisors, and real estate professionals to generate referrals
• Promote the bank's commitment to community development and support for local industry
• Analyze financial statements, credit history, collateral, and other relevant data to assess creditworthiness
• Structure, underwrite, and present loan requests for approval in accordance with bank policy and regulatory guidelines
• Monitor existing loan relationships, including managing delinquent accounts, annual reviews, renewals, and risk assessments
• Coordinate with credit analysts, loan operations, and management to ensure timely and accurate loan processing
• Participate in loan committee meetings (as needed) and contribute to lending decisions with sound judgment
• Serve as a resource to other departments on agricultural and commercial lending matters
• Identify and recommend appropriate bank products and services, such as treasury management, business & personal deposit accounts, merchant services, and retail/residential financing

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Loan processing software

Job description

Gpac is seeking an Agricultural Loan Officer to help farmers and rural communities access funding, purchase property, and grow operations. You’ll build relationships through on-site meetings, understand financial needs, and provide tailored lending solutions.

In a small, team-oriented environment, you’ll analyze financial statements, structure and present loan requests, coordinate with credit and operations, and promote bank products.