Regional Credit Officer

KeyBank; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 128,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-office with flexible options

Job summary

KeyBank is seeking a Regional Credit Officer to lead the Community Bank Commercial Credit team in the Cleveland region. You will partner with the Regional Credit Executive to guide underwriting, risk management and profitability while driving growth with responsible lending.

You will structure large transactions, coach officers, and ensure credit decisions align with policy and risk appetite. A background in senior credit leadership across multiple lending types is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15 years financial lending/credit experience including experience through one complete economic cycle.
• Demonstrated high level of financial acumen, team building and managerial skills; line of business experience desirable.
• Experience with multiple types of lending (e.g. middle market, private banking, small business) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the regional Community Bank Commercial Credit team.
• Lead with the Regional Presidents and RMs to improve profitability and maintain asset quality within a moderate risk appetite.
• Participate in strategy for the region and meet with significant clients or prospects to support LOB business generation.
• Provide guidance to underwriting teams and perform credit decisions for new financing requests ($15mm+).
• Monitor portfolio quality, identify deteriorating credits, and ensure timely action within risk tolerances.
• Mentor Senior Credit Officers and campus/Lob staff; foster an employer of choice culture.

Skills

Credit risk leadership

People management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/economics

MBA preferred

Job description

Location: 127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohio

ABOUT THE JOB (JOB BRIEF)

Serves as a member of the relevant regional Community Bank Commercial Credit team, reporting directly to the Regional Credit Executive.

Partners with the Regional Credit Executive to provide leadership and guidance to large groups of employees in Credit Risk, Credit Underwriting and the line of business within the region.

Manages the commercial credit portfolio in specific markets and is accountable for maintaining portfolio quality in line with Key's moderate credit risk appetite, while supporting new business origination. Tasked with creating and maintaining a client-centric and constructive risk management culture that supports good business and appropriate growth strategies.

The Regional Credit Officer is responsible for structuring new transactions (exposures $15mm+) and providing guidance to underwriting teams, as well as ultimately credit decisioning these new financing requests. Manages credit processes consistent with credit policy and established underwriting guidelines.

These teams are accountable for reviewing and approving annual reviews, interim reviews and existing line of credit renewals, as well as monitoring portfolio quality and ensuring that timely action is taken in the event of portfolio deterioration in order to remain within, or revert back into, the approved risk tolerance ranges for the business.

Mentoring and coaching of Senior Credit Officers, campus and

LOB staff, where appropriate is recommended.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a member of the regional Community Bank Commercial Credit team.
• Works with the Regional Presidents and RMs to improve profitability and maintain asset quality within a moderate risk appetite.
• Participates in, and actively contributes to, the overall strategy for the region.
• Meet with the most significant clients or prospects in support of LOB business generation.
• Create an organizational sense of urgency in support of new business opportunities, ensure smooth interaction between employees the line of business and campuses, and maintain sound credit risk management standards. Teams should be encouraged to focus on material risk issues.
• Ensure that Credit employees work closely with campus underwriting staff to communicate all material aspects of the deal, the risks, mitigants and the final decision that is to be documented for the credit approval.
• Respond with urgency and help create a culture that prioritizes client centricity. Determine transaction feasibility, identify structuring solutions that adequately mitigate risks, and then provide Proceed/Stop decisions within approval limits.
• Exercise significant loan authority (usually $45mm) within established limits and ensure that all Senior Credit Officers do the same.
• When transactions require the approval of the Senior Group Credit Executive or Chief Credit Officer, ensure that employees are prepared to provide a short synopsis of the transaction/relationship, what they like about the proposal, the material risks, and how they have been adequately mitigated.

• Closely monitor all asset quality measures including performance against moderate credit risk tolerances. When tolerances are exceeded, establish appropriate action plans in order to bring portfolio quality back within tolerances.
• Timely identification of deteriorating credits. Transfer of credits to Loan Administration/Asset Recovery Group.
• Ensure accurate and timely risk rating of transactions within the regional credit portfolio.
• Manage daily overdraft exposures.
• Approve cash management credit risk within assigned authority on CAP form - also derivatives and hedging/ FX.
• Champion and hold teams accountable for the proper utilization of credit systems and technology.

• Build and lead high performing, inclusive credit teams. This includes hiring and developing diverse, top rated talent, ensuring effective partnerships with the campuses and LOB, and providing mentoring, coaching and development of credit staff in the region.
• Market visits to multiple markets is encouraged.
• Assist with performance reviews for Senior Credit Officers and create an 'employer of choice' environment where recruiting top talent, maintaining high employee morale, leadership development, career pathing, succession planning, and recognition are priorities. Support the recruiting process, as required for Credit, Campuses and LOB.
• Promote a credit culture that is dynamic and client centric, while maintaining portfolio quality in line with Key's moderate credit risk appetite.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field; MBA preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years financial lending/credit experience which should include experience through one complete economic cycle.
• Demonstrated high level of financial acumen, team building skills, managerial skills, interpersonal skills and decision/solution effectiveness. Line of business experience is desirable.
• Experience with multiple types of lending (e.g. middle market, private banking, small business) is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $128,000.00 - $268,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/06/2026KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].