SBA Lending Director

Carter Bank; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter Bank in Greensboro, North Carolina, is seeking an SBA Lending Director to architect and scale its SBA 7(a) lending program. This strategic ‘player-coach’ will lead the team, implement rigorous credit standards, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving the bank's growth across the Southeast.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, significant SBA lending experience, and a robust understanding of operational frameworks. The position includes developing business relationships and managing a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Significant prior SBA 7(a) lending experience, with previous experience in a senior production or leadership capacity.
• Prior experience in operational infrastructure development, including credit policy and compliance frameworks preferred.
• Experience in both secondary market and portfolio loan models preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an SBA 7(a) lending program from inception.
• Lead, recruit, and develop a team of SBA Business Development Officers, underwriters, and professionals.
• Own the division's P&L, origination goals, and portfolio quality metrics.
• Build a multi‑year business plan with volume projections and income forecasts.
• Drive SBA 7(a) origination volume consistent with the institution's C&I growth objectives.

Skills

Advanced understanding of SBA program mechanics

Advanced understanding of front‑office production and back‑office operations

Advanced knowledge of loan structuring terms and conditions

Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis

Intermediate knowledge of SBA 7(a) rules and regulations

Intermediate portfolio management skills

Intermediate strategic planning skills

Intermediate understanding of credit underwriting

Intermediate leadership skills

Intermediate proficiency with core loan accounting and loan origination systems

Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The SBA Lending Director will architect, launch, and scale the institution's SBA 7(a) lending program from inception. Operating as a strategic “player‑coach,” this leader will build out operational workflows, establish rigorous credit standards, and recruit a high‑performing team to drive C&I growth across the Southeast. The SBA Lending Director owns the division's P&L and secondary market strategy while ensuring regulatory compliance and portfolio health.

Essential Job Functions

• Design and implement an SBA 7(a) lending program from inception, including policies, credit standards, operational workflows, and production targets
• Lead, recruit, and develop a team of SBA Business Development Officers, underwriters, closers, and support professionals
• Own the division's P&L, origination goals, and portfolio quality metrics
• Serve as the institution's internal subject matter expert on government‑guaranteed lending for executive leadership, credit committee, and the board
• Build a multi‑year business plan with volume projections, staffing models, and income forecasts
• Maintain a personal production portfolio as a player‑coach while building and scaling team volume
• Develop and manage referral relationships with centers of influence, brokers, and strategic partners across the Southeast
• Drive SBA 7(a) origination volume consistent with the institution's C&I growth objectives
• Manage the division's secondary market execution strategy, including relationships with SBA loan buyers and decisions on held vs. sold loan portfolios
• Establish the division's credit process, underwriting standards, and closing protocols in coordination with senior credit leadership
• Ensure full SBA regulatory compliance, SOPs, and audit readiness across the lending lifecycle
• Oversee portfolio performance including special assets, servicing, and default management
• Partner with loan operations, compliance, and finance teams to build scalable back‑office infrastructure

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or related field required
• Significant prior SBA 7(a) lending experience, with previous experience in a senior production or leadership capacity
• Prior experience in operational infrastructure development, including credit policy, compliance frameworks, or loan servicing buildouts preferred
• Experience operating in both secondary market and portfolio (held) loan models preferred

Knowledge/Skills Required

• Advanced understanding of SBA program mechanics
• Advanced understanding of both front‑office production and back‑office operations (underwriting, closing, servicing)
• Advanced knowledge of loan structuring terms and conditions
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis
• Intermediate knowledge of SBA 7(a) rules and regulations
• Intermediate portfolio management skills
• Intermediate strategic planning skills
• Intermediate understanding of credit underwriting
• Intermediate leadership skills
• Intermediate proficiency with core loan accounting and loan origination systems
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office

Physical and Mental Qualifications

• Standing, walking, bending and stooping required
• Must be able to sit at a desk for long periods of time and use a computer
• Must be able to occasionally move or lift up to 10 pounds
• May be asked to work supplemental hours periodically
• Travel required occasionally during and after business hours