Commercial Lender II

Columbia Bank New Jersey; Fair Lawn (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx

Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Sick Time

401k Program

Job summary

Columbia Bank New Jersey is seeking an experienced Commercial Lender to maintain and develop customer relationships while managing a portfolio of loans. This role involves analyzing complex loans, approving them as per lending authority, and developing new business relations. The ideal candidate should have a robust background in commercial lending, preferably with 8+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree in finance or related fields.

The job offers a hybrid work schedule and provides several benefits, including medical and employee stock options. Strong communication skills and local market knowledge are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years experience in Commercial Lending.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Commercial Lender.
• Formal credit training required.
• Local business experience specifically Northern NJ.

Responsibilities

• Maintains performing commercial loans and assists lending team.
• Interviews new loan applicants and analyzes financial data.
• Develops new business and cross-sells Bank products.
• Monitors delinquencies and evaluates problem loans.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

Skills

Commercial Lending

Analysis

Loan Approval

Customer Relationship Management

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business

Master’s degree in finance, business or economics (preferred)

Job description

Summary

Maintains portfolio of existing customer relationships. May assist more experienced commercial lenders with larger dollar value loans or complicated commercial loan transactions. Analyzes and underwrites more complex or large dollar value commercial loans within a designated region. Working in cooperation with the Branches, Business Development Department and other Commercial Lending team members, develops new business relationships. Approves loans within established guidelines and lending authority.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintains performing commercial loans. Assists more experienced lending team members with portfolio maintenance requirements for large dollar or more complicated loan transactions. Interacts with customers to maintain and enhance business relationships. Assists in the resolution of loan documentation exceptions.
• Interviews new loan applicants as well as existing borrowing customers. In conjunction with the Credit Department, analyzes financial and related data for credit worthiness and merits of loan requests. Establishes terms and approves loans within lending authority or recommends approval to senior management. Informs customers of Bank decisions.
• Develops new business by contacting potential customers and following up on leads. Cross sells Bank products and services.
• Monitors delinquencies and evaluates problem loans. Analyzes benefits of restructuring versus pursuing legal collection action. Negotiates and reworks loans or implements legal collection action or referral of the loan to the Special Assets Department. Estimates financial impact to the Bank.
• Maintains a current knowledge of local and national economic, financial, political and legislative trends. Determines the possible impact on commercial lending activities.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports to track loan originations. Monitors commercial loan maturities and loan documentation exceptions.
• Performs other job related duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business related field. Master’s degree in finance, business or economics preferred;
• Minimum of 8 years experience in Commercial Lending
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Commercial Lender;
• Formal credit training required;
• Local business experience specifically Northern NJ with potential market expansion;
• Strong Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Construction (CON) expertise is required
• Must have the ability to develop and retain CRE & CON loan business;
• Must be able to produce assigned loan volume as set annually;
• Must ensure and maintain asset quality of loan portfolio;
• Excellent decision making and problem solving abilities;
• Thorough knowledge of lending regulations required;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with customers, attorneys, realtors and other financial institutions as well as all levels of Bank personnel;
• History of community involvement through volunteerism and/or representation with charitable organizations;
• Excellent organizational, follow-up and time management skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory.
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Bank Holidays.
• Employees may participate in the 401k program.

Schedule

• This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home, based on business needs. This arrangement may change without notice.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.