VP, Commercial Lending & Growth

Gulf Winds; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Winds seeks a VP of Commercial in Pensacola, FL, to provide strategic leadership for all commercial lending processes from origination through portfolio management. The role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service to clients and internal stakeholders.

You will partner with the Chief Lending Officer to drive efficiency, scalability, and profitability while mentoring teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, credit administration, or loan operations within a bank, credit union, or financial institution.
• Minimum of 5 years in a management role overseeing operational teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing a commercial loan portfolio of $100M or greater.
• Experience with construction, C&I, CRE, and SBA lending preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs end-to-end commercial loan operations from origination through servicing; develops operational strategies and SLAs.
• Oversees loan documentation review, covenant monitoring, and collateral management; ensures sound underwriting and timely credit decisions.
• Leads talent development and succession planning; partners with HR on recruiting and development.
• Drives process improvements through technology and automation to reduce cycle times and costs.
• Ensures regulatory compliance with federal/state regulations (BSA/AML, CRA, HMDA) and interfaces with examiners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Team management

Credit underwriting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

nCino

Sageworks

Baker Hill

Jack Henry

FiServ

Temenos

Job description

Gulf Winds seeks a VP of Commercial in Pensacola, FL, to provide strategic leadership for all commercial lending processes from origination through portfolio management. The role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service to clients and internal stakeholders.

You will partner with the Chief Lending Officer to drive efficiency, scalability, and profitability while mentoring teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.