Business Specialist I

First Financial Bank; Flossmoor (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 87,500; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bank in Flossmoor, Illinois, is seeking a Business Specialist to develop and maintain profitable small business banking relationships. The role includes identifying client needs, recommending banking products, and enhancing client interactions through networking and coaching.

Ideal candidates will have 3-4 years experience in retail banking with a strong track record in sales. The position offers a competitive salary range of $66,000-$87,500 annually, with additional benefits and incentives.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of client experience in retail banking and/or financial services.
• Strong track record of achieving sales and service goals.
• Demonstrated success with consultative, needs-based selling.

Responsibilities

• Manage an existing portfolio of clients and seek new opportunities.
• Provide training and guidance to promote growth in the small business segment.
• Attract and grow core client relationships.

Skills

Client experience in retail banking

Sales and service experience

Interpersonal and communication skills

Customer relations skills

Product knowledge in deposits and loans

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SBA knowledge

Consultative selling techniques

Job description

Overview

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Develops and maintains profitable small business banking relationships within the Consumer Bank by focusing on the holistic and long-term needs of business owners and their business. As a specialist and trusted advisor, responsibilities include identifying needs, recommending deposit, treasury, and loan products, negotiating deposit and loan terms, coordinating loan approvals and closings, opening and managing deposit accounts, and referring clients to key partners within the company. The Business Specialist is tasked with developing core client relationships with existing clients and finding new opportunities for First Financial in the small business segment.

Responsibilities

• Manage an existing portfolio of clients, seek opportunities to work with employees of clients, introduce clients to partners as needed, and prospect for new clients through networking and external calling efforts with internal and external partners.
• Provide training, coaching, and guidance to assigned districts and banking centers to promote development and growth in the small business segment.
• Develop, define, and execute the strategy that positions First Financial as the community bank for small business owners, their families, and employees.
• Attract, retain, and grow core client relationships by fostering a trusted business advisor relationship that leverages all that First Financial has to offer business clients.
• Execute against and achieve the stated goals of the retail and consumer bank strategy; engage with retail teams, district and region leadership, other segment specialists and advisors, and external partners.
• Develop and implement plans to engage districts and markets, establish routines to achieve success in the small business segment, and meet production and growth goals at district and region levels.
• Manage, deepen, and grow client relationships with emphasis on business relationships with credit and deposit exposure within the small business segment.
• Initiate and maintain client and prospect contact through multiple channels, including in-bank interactions, telemarketing, digital outreach, and events outside normal hours.
• Establish personal sales plans/strategies for assigned districts and region; leverage leads and campaigns to deepen and win new core small business relationships anchored by a small business checking account.
• Coordinate new loan origination requests, conduct loan closings, open new Small Business Banking deposit accounts, and refer other bank products and services as needed.
• Consult with other Small Business Bankers and Banking Center teams on challenging situations and identify new introductions and opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison and knowledge resource for financial center teams regarding small business products, services, promotions, and program enhancements.
• Provide leadership, feedback, and guidance within the small business segment to improve the program and long-term success in the assigned districts and region.
• Participate in bank marketing and sales initiatives focused on the small business segment; contribute to programs that promote strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with bank, loan, and regulatory guidelines and maintain operational excellence with loans and deposits within the portfolio.
• Identify and develop the small business client segment book of business; provide in-market support and involvement to foster client relationships and uncover opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of client experience in retail banking and/or financial services with experience working with business owners.
• 3-4 years of sales and service experience with a track record of achieving sales and service goals in a retail environment or a retail/business banking role within First Financial.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience; sales-focused education preferred.
• Familiarity with consumer and small business credit; demonstrated success with consultative, needs-based selling.
• Experience with senior levels of organizations in strategic planning and execution.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication; strong organizational, managerial, and project management skills.
• Well-developed customer relations skills with the ability to influence without authority.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines; work well independently with limited supervision.
• Strong product knowledge related to consumer and commercial deposits, investments, consumer loans, business loans, and treasury management.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Compliance, Knowledge & Skills

• Compliance with all bank, loan, and regulatory guidelines and policies; maintain operational excellence in loans and deposits.
• Knowledgeable and proactive in assisting clients seeking SBA loans; lead the process with clients in partnership with the SBA team and processors.
• Assist with policies, procedures, servicing activities, and internal controls to satisfy SBA and Risk Management requirements.
• Adherence to all compliance and regulatory procedures including BSA, CRA, HMDA, CIP, Reg B/D/E, Reg CC, Truth in Savings, Privacy, Patriot Act, and related requirements.

Benefits & Additional Information

Pay Range: $66,000-$87,500 annually. Benefits and Incentives information available in the Benefits Guide. All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions. EEO and legal compliance statements apply. We are an E-Verify Employer.

About Us

First Financial Bank’s mission is to be the best bank to do business with, the best place to work, and the best financial partner for our shareholders and the communities we serve. We value integrity, inclusion, teamwork, respect, wellbeing, and excellence. Our success starts with our people.