Commercial Lending Team Leader

KLR Executive Search Group LLC; Connecticut; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Bank, a Connecticut-based mutual bank with a long history and growing footprint, is seeking a Commercial Lending Team Leader. The role focuses on leading a team of commercial lenders, developing profitable client relationships, and aligning efforts with the bank's strategic plan.

You will coordinate with underwriting and management to drive loan operations and customer success. Ideal candidates bring 8–10 years of relevant lending experience in a bank and strong leadership, analytical,

Qualifications

• Eight to ten years of relevant commercial (C&I) and/or commercial real estate lending experience in a bank setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and administer all aspects of the team’s commercial lending activity.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients and provide quality customer service.
• Prepare loan requests for underwriting and obtain necessary approvals, close loans, and administer client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Communication

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Job description

We are pleased to share with you the exciting Commercial Lending Team Leader opportunity with Ascend Bank (http://www.ascend.bank). Founded in 1875, our client is a highly regarded mutual bank serving individuals, families, and businesses across Connecticut. Formerly Guilford Savings Bank, our client has grown into a $1.5 billion asset institution with twelve banking locations, a strong digital platform, and an expanding footprint throughout Connecticut and neighboring states. In 2025, Ascend completed the successful acquisition of Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank, further expanding its market presence.

This is a compelling opportunity to help build and expand a commercial lending platform within a stable, growth‑oriented community bank of scale. The Commercial Lending Team Leader will be given both the support and autonomy to be creative in leading a talented team of Commercial Lenders. The Team Leader and their team will be charged with developing profitable client relationships and contributing to the overall success of the Bank.

Position Overview

• Lead, supervise, and administer all aspects of assigned team’s commercial lending activity in coordination with the Commercial Loan Origination Manager ("CLOM") and Ascend’s strategic plan, policies, and budgets.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients and provide quality customer service.
• When needed, help prepare loan requests for underwriting in a timely manner and in alignment with the Bank’s loan policy and obtain necessary approvals, close the loan, and administer the customer relationship.

The successful candidate will bring

• A minimum of eight to ten years of relevant commercial (C&I) and/or commercial real estate lending experience in a bank setting (or equivalent).
• Strong leadership, management, interpersonal, analytical, decision-making, communication, organizational, and presentation skills.