Commercial Relationship Manager

First Financial Bank; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bank in Chicago, IL seeks a Relationship Manager to handle multi-faceted client relationships, generate loans and deposits, and cross-sell products across a geographic area.

The role focuses on credit eligibility, loan narratives, portfolio management, and collaboration with internal partners to meet client needs and bank goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three (3) years of proven relationship/account management experience selling banking products.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to generate new business through a consultative sales approach; demonstrated sales and negotiating experience.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups in managing customer relationships.
• Well-versed in product knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develops new and expands existing client relationships by initiating business development activities, proactively reviewing client’s current and changing financial needs, and cross-selling products and services.
• Grows and maintains a profitable book of business (loans and deposits) to achieve individual and market goals.
• Develops a comprehensive understanding of client needs based on the review and analysis of personal and financial data.
• Qualifies prospects by collecting and analyzing financial data to determine credit worthiness and the merits of loan requests.
• Prepares and oversees the completion of loan approval requirements, including underwriting to meet borrower and bank needs.
• Obtains appropriate approval for credit under consideration; negotiates terms including pricing, fees, costs, repayment method and schedule, and collateral requirements.
• Responsible for portfolio management including monitoring credit quality, past due credits, non-performing and credit exceptions, covenant compliance, and credit exceptions of their active portfolio.
• Represents First Financial Bank in community, civic, and professional organizations and refers loans to the loan committee for approval.
• Understands clients’ financial goals, provides credible advice, and recommends products that fit holistic needs; refers clients to other lines of business as appropriate.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Consultative sales

Negotiation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Credit analysis tools

Job description

Overview

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written. The Relationship Manager ("RM") will handle multi-faceted relationships by calling on prospective and existing clients to generate loans, deposits, and fees for a geographic area. The RM will determine credit eligibility, prepare loan narratives, ensure loans meet criteria, and effectively cross-sell a wide variety of products.

Responsibilities

• Develops new and expands existing client relationships by initiating business development activities, proactively reviewing client’s current and changing financial needs, and cross-selling products and services.
• Grows and maintains a profitable book of business (loans and deposits) to achieve individual and market goals.
• Develops a comprehensive understanding of client needs based on the review and analysis of personal and financial data.
• Qualifies prospects by collecting and analyzing financial data to determine credit worthiness and the merits of loan requests.
• Prepares and oversees the completion of loan approval requirements, including underwriting to meet borrower and bank needs.
• Obtains appropriate approval for credit under consideration; negotiates terms including pricing, fees, costs, repayment method and schedule, and collateral requirements.
• Responsible for portfolio management including monitoring credit quality, past due credits, non-performing and credit exceptions, covenant compliance, and credit exceptions of their active portfolio.
• Represents First Financial Bank in community, civic, and professional organizations and refers loans to the loan committee for approval.
• Understands clients’ financial goals, provides credible advice, and recommends products that fit holistic needs; refers clients to other lines of business as appropriate.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of proven relationship/account management experience selling banking products in the appropriate segmentation.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to generate new business through a consultative sales approach; demonstrated sales and negotiating experience.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups in managing customer relationships.
• Well-versed in product knowledge.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Level of Complexity and Scope
• Degree of Independence and Decision-Making
• Required Supervisory Responsibilities

Compliance

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 bank policies and procedures. This includes Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000/year to $126,000/year. Benefits are provided to support associates’ holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide.

Incentives and Equal Opportunity

Incentive eligibility applies to most roles, with exceptions for Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions. We are an E-Verify employer. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company Background

At First Financial Bank, our 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 are guided by core values: Doing the right thing, Teamwork, Mutual respect, Wellbeing, and Excellence. Our success starts with our people; when our associates are talented, engaged, and supported, they create outstanding results. If you’re looking to be part of a team that values integrity, inclusion, and collaboration—and where your growth matters—you’ll find your future here.