Chief Lending Officer: CRE & SBA Growth Leader

AVANA Companies; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Job summary

AVANA Companies is seeking a Chief Lending Officer to lead the Sales Team in originating and syndicating commercial debt across CRE and SBA504 lending platforms based in Arizona. You will shape enterprise lending strategy, integrate credit policy, and oversee the portfolio from origination to risk management and regulatory reporting.

Reporting to the CEO, you will collaborate with Origination leadership and Credit committee to balance growth with risk appetite, drive profitability, and champion

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced banking credential strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in commercial banking, private credit, or CRE lending.
• Deep expertise in CRE and SBA loan structuring, credit risk management, and portfolio administration.
• Demonstrated track record of loan structuring, risk management, and balance sheet growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee origination, structuring & portfolio growth across CRE and SBA lending.
• Set standards for complex, high-risk credits and review approvals.
• Drive balance sheet growth by aligning origination with credit and profitability objectives.
• Identify new lending programs and niche-market opportunities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Credit risk

CRE lending

SBA lending

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Executive communication

Education

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

MBA or advanced banking credential

Job description

AVANA Companies is seeking a Chief Lending Officer to lead the Sales Team in originating and syndicating commercial debt across CRE and SBA504 lending platforms based in Arizona. You will shape enterprise lending strategy, integrate credit policy, and oversee the portfolio from origination to risk management and regulatory reporting.

Reporting to the CEO, you will collaborate with Origination leadership and Credit committee to balance growth with risk appetite, drive profitability, and champion