VP of Lending

Meritus Credit Union; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus Credit Union in Lafayette, LA seeks a VP of Lending to lead consumer and real estate lending strategies, establish lending policies, and ensure underwriting aligns with risk and regulatory standards. Day-to-day duties include managing loan portfolios, monitoring performance and delinquencies, guiding staff, and partnering with executives to drive growth and a superior member experience.

This on-site, full-time role requires a seasoned leader with extensive lending experience and a solid

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in finance, risk assessment, and portfolio management.
• Expertise in underwriting and credit decisioning.
• Experience with consumer and mortgage lending in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead consumer and real estate lending strategies.
• Develop lending policies and procedures.
• Monitor loan performance and delinquencies.
• Coach and mentor lending staff; align with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Credit analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Portfolio management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business

Advanced degree beneficial

Job description

Company Description

Meritus Credit Union, founded in 1954 and formerly known as Lafayette Schools Credit Union, is committed to delivering strong value and trustworthy banking services to its members. The organization focuses on personalized service and financial solutions tailored to members’ life stages and goals. As a community-focused credit union, Meritus prioritizes long-term relationships and financial well-being over short-term gains. Team members work in a collaborative environment that emphasizes integrity, member advocacy, and service excellence. The credit union continues to grow while maintaining its local roots and member-centric mission.

Role Description

The VP of Lending is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Lafayette, LA, responsible for overseeing and advancing all lending operations across the credit union. This role directs consumer and real estate lending strategies, establishes lending policies and procedures, and ensures that underwriting standards align with regulatory requirements and risk management practices. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing loan portfolios, monitoring loan performance and delinquency trends, and guiding lending staff to meet growth and quality targets. The VP of Lending collaborates with executive leadership to set lending goals, develop new loan products, and optimize member experience through efficient processes and competitive offerings. This role also involves coaching and mentoring team members, reviewing complex credit decisions, and representing the lending function in internal and external meetings.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in finance, including financial analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management skills.
• Expertise in underwriting, with demonstrated ability to evaluate creditworthiness and structure sound lending decisions.
• Experience in consumer lending, including auto, personal, and mortgage loans, and familiarity with related regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience managing lending teams, setting performance goals, and driving operational excellence.
• Ability to develop and implement lending policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives in a regulated environment..
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with members, team members, and external partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field; advanced degree or relevant professional certifications are a plus
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive lending experience, including significant leadership responsibility.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing or leading a lending function within a credit union, bank, or comparable financial institution preferred.
• Knowledge of NCUA regulations and applicable federal and state laws and regulations required.
• Experience working with executive management and Board-level reporting preferred.