Business Specialist I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive eligibility

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

First Financial Bank in Olympia Fields is seeking a dedicated professional to manage small business client relationships and drive sales strategy. The ideal candidate will have 3-4 years of retail banking experience, successfully achieving sales goals, and a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

This role involves facilitating new loan origination, enhancing client relations, and participating in bank marketing initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary range from $66,000 to $87,500 annually and a comprehensive benefit program.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years client experience in Retail Banking or financial services.
• Successful sales and service experience in a retail or banking role.
• Strong product knowledge related to consumer and commercial banking.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow small business client relationships.
• Coordinate new loan origination requests and closings.
• Participate in bank marketing focused on the small business segment.

Skills

Client experience in Retail Banking

Sales experience in retail/business banking

Interpersonal and communication skills

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Consumer and small business credit knowledge

Knowledge of deposits and loans

Job description

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Partner with Retail Banking leadership and Business Program Manager to execute against consumer bank strategies and objectives, attract, retain and grow core small business segment relationships, fulfill client’s financial needs and provide a First Class Client Experience. Develop and implement strategies/plans to engage districts and markets, establish behaviors and routines to achieve success in the small business segment, achieving established individual production and growth goals, district and region goals and objectives. Manage, deepen and grow client relationships with a primary focus on business relationships with credit and deposit exposure assigned to the small business segment. Initiate and maintain client and prospect contact through a timely and relevant contact strategy, including client interaction in the banking center, telemarketing, digital and/or participating in various activities and events outside of normal working hours. Establish personal sales plans/strategies for assigned districts and region to achieve success in the small business space, leveraging and following up on leads and campaigns to deepen and win new core small business relationships, anchored with a small business checking account. Coordinate new loan origination requests, conduct loan closings, open new Small Business Banking deposit account relationships, and take a holistic approach when discussing client needs, referring other Bank products and services as necessary throughout the bank. Support Business Program Manager and Retail Leadership by consulting with other Small Business Bankers and Banking Center teams on challenging/complex situations with small business clients and working to identify new introductions and opportunities. Serve as a liaison and knowledge resource for financial center teams and associates with respect to small business products, services, promotions, program enhancement, etc. that impacts how we succeed in the small business segment. Assist program manager with providing leadership, feedback and guidance within the small business segment that leads to improving the program and long‑term success within the assigned districts and region. Participate in bank marketing and sales promotions focused on the small business segment, especially within the district and assigned region; contribute to initiatives and programs designed to promote organization’s strategic priorities. Comply with all bank, loan and regulatory guidelines and policies, maintaining 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 in fostering client relationships and uncovering opportunities. Function as client’s personal trusted advisor by adding value and building deep client relationships by utilizing the First Client Conversation Model. Participate and lead in the First Financial Bank Experience by being active in site center huddles, district and region meetings to support sales and service activities across the markets served. Consistently meet or exceed sales and referral goals as set by management, by effectively collaborating with lines of business in an effort to assist clients meet their dedicated financial needs. Provide coaching and feedback to the financial center teams in the referral and sales activities with a specific focus on the small business client segment. Hold periodic meetings with district and market leadership, as well as regional presidents and key stakeholders supporting the region and program, to align all resources around our plan and to prioritize actions. Create powerful strategic partnerships with internal and external partners to establish priorities and identify needs in the small business space within the communities served. Build relationships to allow partnership with community organizations to create plans, strategies, and tactics that serve small businesses and owners. Leverage connections within communities to actively market campaigns, promotions, and products applicable to small businesses and their owners/employees. Accountable for performance of the district and region from a small business development perspective, and leadership of the local teams. Knowledgeable and proactive with assisting clients seeking an SBA loan with First Financial. Lead the process with clients, partnering with the SBA team and processors to properly service and work the SBA claims. Be involved with ensuring proper policies, procedures, servicing activities, and internal controls are performed to the satisfaction of the SBA, as well as Risk Management.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

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

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti‑Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training Pay Range

$66,000‑$87,500 annually

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide.

Incentive Eligibility All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co‑Op, Intern, or Student positions.

EEO Statement

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an E‑Verify Employer.