Consumer & Small Business Lender

Wilson Bank & Trust; Cookeville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Bank & Trust is hiring a Consumer & Small Business Lender in Cookeville, TN. You will meet with prospects to develop and retain a lending portfolio of consumer and small business loans, focusing on relationship-building and growth within a designated region.

You will collaborate with internal partners to offer banking products, provide excellent service, and align with company values while advancing community growth and financial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in consumer lending.
• Previous sales experience, specifically managing relationships and developing new business.
• Knowledge of real estate lending, documentation, collateralization, UCC-1 Law, lien perfections, and Deeds of Trust.
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, loan underwriting, lending regulations, credit analysis, and contracts with individual or corporate borrowers.
• Understanding of the loan-funding process and use of general ledger accounts for funding.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinker and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and retain a lending portfolio of consumer and small business loans within an assigned region.
• Retain and strengthen relationships and develop new business through various channels.
• Make business calls independently and with internal partners to offer banking products and services.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with customers and prospects; attend events and serve as contact for clients.
• Receive loan applications and related documentation at submission.
• Conduct preliminary credit analysis and review financial statements.
• Prepare loan proposals and credit memos, negotiating terms and collateral specifications.
• Develop and maintain interest rate structures in line with bank policies and market rates.
• Comply with underwriting criteria including approval limits, LTV, lien position, and insurance requirements.

Skills

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Time management

Problem solving

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Consumer & Small Business Lender LOCATION: Cookeville, TN

ABOUT US

Working at Wilson Bank & Trust means joining a purpose-driven organization where community impact and professional growth go hand in hand. The commitment to serving communities is matched by dedication to supporting employees—through recognition, rewards, and opportunities to grow. Inside our walls, you’ll find a workplace that reflects the same trusted reputation we’ve built since the beginning. Collaboration and servant leadership are at the heart of everything we do, creating an environment where talent is valued and service is elevated. Your voice matters here—feedback drives decisions on workplace flexibility, transparency, and strategic priorities.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Be the Guide for Life’s Big Decisions Imagine sitting across from a family ready to buy their first home or a business owner planning to expand. In a Lending role at Wilson Bank & Trust, you’re more than a banker—you’re a trusted friend who helps turn dreams into reality. Every conversation is an opportunity to guide someone through milestones that shape their future, from purchasing a home to growing a business. You’ll build relationships that go beyond transactions, becoming the person customers rely on for clarity and confidence in complex financial decisions. Over time, you’ll see those dreams come to life—homes filled with laughter, businesses thriving in your community—and know you played a part in it. It’s about being a cornerstone in your community, offering expertise and empathy while partnering with teams across the bank to deliver solutions that matter. Your career grows alongside the people you serve, and together, you’ll write stories of progress and possibility that last for generations.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Consumer & Small Business Lender meets with prospects and customers to develop and retain a lending portfolio of consumer and small business loans, especially in a designated region. With a focus on lending, this position retains and deepens existing relationships and develops new business through business calls, as well as collaboration with internal business partners to offer a range of banking products and services. The Consumer & Small Business Lender reports to the Regional President or Market Leader and provides excellent service and support to customers and teammates while demonstrating the Company’s values and supporting the mission.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBIILITIES

• Develop and retain a lending portfolio of consumer and small business loans, especially in assigned designated region, meeting with prospects and customers of various size and complexity
• Retain and strengthen current relationships and develop new business through various channels
• Make business calls independently and in collaboration with internal business partners to offer a range of banking products and services
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with customers and prospects. Attend business events. Serve as point of contact for new and existing customers.
• Receive loan applications and related documentation required at application
• Conduct preliminary credit analysis, review customer financial statements, and make recommendation to management
• Prepare loan proposals and credit memos, negotiating terms such as loan repayment methods and collateral specifications
• Develop and maintain interest rate structure consistent with bank policies and procedures and competitive with current market rates
• Comply with loan underwriting criteria to include approval limits, LTV, lien position, insurance requirements, etc.
• Responsible for monitoring construction draws, clearing exceptions, and gathering financial documentation from customers and internal teams
• Monitor loan status and follow up on outstanding documentation
• Communicate with prospects and borrowers on the status of credit decisions
• Maintain collection efforts to minimize past-due accounts
• Attend office and bank meetings, as scheduled, providing input and updates on lending activities as required
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; and participating in professional associations
• Adhere to compliance with all federal bank regulations and laws, including those for consumer protection and the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Program
• Attend training and participate in outside community activities, as requested and/or required
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field
• 3 years of experience in consumer lending
• Previous sales experience, specifically managing relationships and developing new business
• Knowledge of real estate lending, documentation, collateralization, UCC-1 Law, lien perfections, and Deeds of Trust
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, loan underwriting, lending regulations, credit analysis, and contracts with individual or corporate borrowers
• Understanding of the loan-funding process and use of general ledger accounts for funding
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective presentation skills
• Attention to detail, critical thinker and problem-solving skills
• High standards for integrity, honesty, professionalism, and work ethic
• Commitment to service excellence
• Ability to work independently while demonstrating excellent organization and follow through
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
• Ability and willingness to work with purpose and a strong sense of urgency
• Self-motivated, positive, and enthusiastic
• Self-starter with a strong desire to exceed expectations
• Maintain confidentiality discretion
• Ability to effectively work in collaboration with others to achieve business objectives
• Must be able to work extended hours as needed
• Willing to grow and be challenged

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS & RECOGNITION

We believe success should be acknowledged and celebrated. That’s why we offer an all-inclusive total compensation package, including generous ATO, personal days, sick time, along with unique offerings such as the ability to combine accrued time with short-term disability for 100% pay, and more. Our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Care Fund provide additional support when you need it most. We celebrate achievements through peer-nominated award ceremonies and an interactive digital rewards platform, ensuring employees’ contributions are recognized companywide.

GROW WITH US

“Grow With Us” is more than a slogan—it’s an invitation. Whether partnering with local schools to teach the next generation hands-on financial life lessons through School Bank, exploring diverse career paths through our Banker Academy Program, or investing in yourself through our Employee Stock Purchase program, you’ll find opportunities tailored to your interests and ambitions while working for WBT. We invest heavily in development through mentorships, workshops, banking schools, and certifications because when our people grow, our customers thrive. Wilson Bank & Trust is more than a just a bank — we’re a community-focused, people-first organization committed to supporting both our customers and our employees. As an independent, community-based bank, we combine big‑bank resources with hometown service, creating a workplace where you can build meaningful relationships, grow your career, and make a real impact every day.