Vice President Commercial Lender

The Agency; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agency in Kalispell, Montana is seeking an experienced VP of Lending to lead its lending team. You will originate, underwrite, and manage a diversified loan portfolio with a primary focus on commercial lending while serving as a trusted advisor to customers.

This role emphasizes local decision-making, mentorship of lending staff, and strengthening relationships across the Flathead Valley through community involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressive lending experience with commercial lending expertise.
• Proven ability to manage a large commercial loan portfolio.
• Experience originating commercial and CRE loans; consumer and residential lending a plus.
• Advanced credit analysis and loan structuring knowledge.
• Strong business development and relationship management skills.
• Solid understanding of banking regulations and lending compliance.

Responsibilities

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and service commercial and real estate loan relationships.
• Manage a substantial loan portfolio with strong credit quality and risk management.
• Analyze financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and industry trends to assess risk.
• Structure loan requests to meet customer needs within policy.
• Monitor portfolio performance and manage relationships and credit exposure.
• Present loan requests and recommendations to Loan Committee and Board.
• Mentor lending staff and participate in policy development and process improvements.

Skills

Commercial lending

Credit analysis

Loan structuring

Business development

Relationship management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Financial statement analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

Tools

Bank lending systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

A well-established, family-owned community bank in Kalispell, Montana is seeking an experienced VP of Lending to join its leadership team. This individual will play a key role in originating, managing, and growing a diversified loan portfolio with a primary focus on commercial lending while serving as a trusted advisor to customers and a visible representative of the bank throughout the Flathead Valley.

This opportunity offers the ability to work within a relationship-driven organization where lending decisions are made locally and collaboration across the leadership team is highly valued. The ideal candidate will bring a strong commercial lending background, advanced credit and loan structuring expertise, proven business development capabilities, and a genuine commitment to community banking.

The VP of Lending will manage a substantial and complex loan portfolio, develop new commercial relationships, participate in Loan Committee and strategic initiatives, and provide mentorship and guidance to lending staff. This individual will work closely with bank leadership to support sound credit quality, customer growth, and the continued success of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and service commercial, commercial real estate, consumer, and residential real estate loan relationships
• Manage a substantial and complex loan portfolio while maintaining strong credit quality and sound risk management practices
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, collateral, industry trends, and credit information to evaluate borrower risk
• Structure loan requests that meet customer needs while adhering to bank policy and sound lending principles
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively manage customer relationships and credit exposure
• Renew, amend, extend, and restructure credit facilities within delegated lending authority
• Present loan requests and credit recommendations to Loan Committee and Board of Directors as required
• Serve as a commercial lending specialist with expertise in business lending, commercial real estate financing, and complex credit structures
• Develop new commercial loan opportunities through networking, referrals, calling efforts, and community involvement
• Cultivate relationships with business owners, attorneys, accountants, real estate professionals, and other centers of influence
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships through deposit growth and additional banking services
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the Kalispell and Flathead Valley market through community involvement and relationship development
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor by understanding customers' businesses, goals, and long-term financial needs
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to deliver comprehensive banking solutions and exceptional customer service
• Provide mentorship and guidance to lending staff as assigned
• Participate in Loan Committee, strategic initiatives, policy development, and process improvement efforts
• Support the Chief Lending Officer in achieving the bank's lending and growth objectives
• Assist with succession planning and talent development within the lending team
• Monitor delinquent accounts and coordinate collection activities when necessary
• Conduct collateral inspections, site visits, and ongoing portfolio reviews
• Ensure complete, accurate, and compliant loan documentation
• Maintain compliance with applicable banking regulations and internal policies, including BSA, AML, OFAC, Fair Lending, CRA, and other regulatory requirements
• Participate in business development initiatives, community events, industry associations, and other activities that strengthen the bank's presence in the market

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred
• 7-10+ years of progressive lending experience with significant commercial lending expertise
• Demonstrated success managing a substantial commercial loan portfolio
• Proven experience originating commercial and commercial real estate loans, with additional experience in consumer and residential real estate lending
• Advanced knowledge of credit analysis, financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, and loan structuring
• Proven track record of business development and relationship management
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, credit risk management, and lending compliance
• Ability to make sound credit decisions and effectively manage complex lending relationships
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the ability to mentor and develop lending staff
• Strong understanding of relationship-based community banking
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and bank lending systems
• Must be bondable

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within a family-owned, community, or regional banking environment
• Established commercial banking relationships and centers of influence within the Flathead Valley or surrounding Montana market
• Experience serving on Loan Committee or similar credit approval committees
• Experience mentoring or developing commercial lenders
• Demonstrated involvement in community organizations, business associations, or other local initiatives
• Experience contributing to strategic planning, lending initiatives, or broader bank growth objectives

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced commercial banking professional seeking a meaningful leadership role within a respected, family-owned community bank. The position offers substantial portfolio responsibility, local lending authority, visibility with senior leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on customers and the broader Flathead Valley community. The bank's collaborative culture, relationship-first approach, and commitment to local decision-making provide an environment where experienced lenders can build lasting relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Agency Recruiting is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.