Corporate Banker

Business First Bank; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

b1BANK in Houston is seeking a senior Corporate C&I Banker to develop and manage a portfolio of complex commercial relationships, delivering tailored lending, deposits, treasury management, and other financial solutions to middle-market clients.

As primary point of contact, you will analyze financial statements, structure loans, and collaborate with Credit, Wealth and Treasury teams to drive loan and deposit growth while upholding credit quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.
• Equivalent banking experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of commercial lending, C&I banking, relationship management, or credit underwriting experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing significant commercial banking relationships.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial credit analysis, underwriting, and loan structuring.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and commercial banking systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of commercial relationships consisting of privately held businesses, professional firms, nonprofit organizations, and other commercial clients.
• Actively prospect for new business opportunities through networking, centers of influence, community involvement, referrals, and targeted calling efforts.
• Generate profitable loan, deposit, treasury management, and fee income growth consistent with strategic objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for commercial clients, providing exceptional relationship management and consultative financial advice.
• Develop comprehensive relationship strategies to deepen and expand client relationships across multiple product lines.
• Maintain a consistent calling program focused on existing and prospective commercial clients.
• Structure, negotiate, and originate complex commercial loan transactions including: Lines of Credit, Working Capital Facilities, Equipment Financing, Owner-Occupied Real Estate Loans, Acquisition Financing, SBA Loans, Other Commercial Credit Facilities.
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, collateral valuations, and industry trends to assess credit risk.
• Prepare and present credit requests and relationship strategies to credit administration and loan committees.
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively identify emerging credit concerns.
• Ensure loan relationships remain in compliance with applicable covenants, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain acceptable loan quality metrics, past due levels, and exception reporting standards.
• Partner with Treasury Management officers to identify and deliver cash management solutions.
• Promote deposit growth through operating accounts, money market accounts, and related commercial deposit products.
• Identify opportunities for merchant services, payment solutions, and other fee-based products.

Skills

Relationship management

Credit analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance / Accounting / Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Commercial banking systems

Job description

Summary

The Corporate C&I Banker is a senior-level relationship manager responsible for developing, managing, and expanding a portfolio of complex commercial and industrial (C&I) banking relationships. This position serves as a trusted financial advisor to middle-market and privately held businesses by delivering customized lending, deposit, treasury management, and other financial solutions. The Corporate Banker is expected to generate significant loan and deposit growth while maintaining strong credit quality and adherence to the Bank's policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Specific Job Functions

Business Development & Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of commercial relationships consisting of privately held businesses, professional firms, nonprofit organizations, and other commercial clients.
• Actively prospect for new business opportunities through networking, centers of influence, community involvement, referrals, and targeted calling efforts.
• Generate profitable loan, deposit, treasury management, and fee income growth consistent with strategic objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for commercial clients, providing exceptional relationship management and consultative financial advice.
• Develop comprehensive relationship strategies to deepen and expand client relationships across multiple product lines.
• Maintain a consistent calling program focused on existing and prospective commercial clients.

Credit Underwriting & Portfolio Management

• Structure, negotiate, and originate complex commercial loan transactions including:
  • Lines of Credit
  • Working Capital Facilities
  • Equipment Financing
  • Owner-Occupied Real Estate Loans
  • Acquisition Financing
  • SBA Loans (when applicable)
  • Other Commercial Credit Facilities
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, collateral valuations, and industry trends to assess credit risk.
• Prepare and present credit requests and relationship strategies to credit administration and loan committees.
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively identify emerging credit concerns.
• Ensure loan relationships remain in compliance with applicable covenants, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain acceptable loan quality metrics, past due levels, and exception reporting standards.

Treasury Management & Deposit Growth

• Partner with Treasury Management officers to identify and deliver cash management solutions.
• Promote deposit growth through operating accounts, money market accounts, and related commercial deposit products.
• Identify opportunities for merchant services, payment solutions, and other fee-based products.

Market Leadership

• Maintain an active presence within the local business community.
• Participate in civic, professional, and community organizations to enhance the Bank's visibility and market presence.
• Serve as a mentor and resource to junior Commercial Bankers and Credit Analysts.
• Collaborate with Wealth Management, Treasury Management, Mortgage, and Private Banking teams to deliver comprehensive client solutions.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Adhere to all Bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong knowledge of banking regulations, commercial lending standards, and industry best practices.
• Exercise sound judgment in balancing client needs with appropriate risk management practices.
• Ensure all internal controls associated with lending and relationship management activities are operating effectively.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.
• Equivalent banking experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of commercial lending, C&I banking, relationship management, or credit underwriting experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing significant commercial banking relationships.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial credit analysis, underwriting, and loan structuring.
• Strong understanding of business financial statements, tax returns, and cash flow analysis.
• Experience presenting complex credit transactions to senior credit officers and loan committees.
• Proven track record of achieving loan, deposit, and fee income production goals.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and commercial banking systems.

b1BANK is an Equal Opportunity Employer.