Chief Lending Officer

Sauk Valley Bank•Sterling, IL

About The Position

The position of Chief Lending Officer is responsible for directing the financial institution’s entire lending program and supervising all phases of the lending operations. The primary focus is upon the maintenance of existing and establishment of new relationships with borrowers that meet the standards established by the board of directors. The CLO is responsible for the maintaining the bank’s loan policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior financial position, with extensive lending experience in financial institutions.
Extensive background in financial institution policies and procedures related to lending and the regulator environment.
Advanced experience, knowledge and training in progressively responsible department operations and supervisory activities.
Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers and employees.
Effective organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work with minimal or no supervision while performing duties.
Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive in the course of performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
The incumbent must be able to perform this position safely, without endangering the health or safety to him/herself or others.

Responsibilities

Prepares and maintains loan policy and underwriting guidelines, subject to final approval by the board of directors and communicates such to all personnel involved in the loan origination process.
Directs, mentors and works with the lending staff to maintain and develop relationships with borrowers in the business and ag communities.
Review all loan presentations prepared for loan committee(s) and assist analysts and lenders in properly structuring credit facilities and presenting them for consideration by officers and directors loan committees.
Works as a member of the senior management team in establishing and achieving business development and financial performance objectives within the lending area as well as throughout the bank.
Assists other areas in achieving their objectives through collaboration and referral of business.
Stays abreast of regulations and legislation, as well as other political and policy-making events that directly affect the bank.
Assumes primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining the bank’s relationship with participating banks.
Oversee and manage the participation of commercial and ag credit as demanded by lending limits, prudent portfolio management and diversification as well as maintenance of liquidity and capital levels determined by management.
Has responsibility for training of departmental personnel; reviewing and evaluating performance; and recommending salary adjustments, promotions, discharges and other personnel-related actions.
Performs duties specific to the position and other functions as assigned.
Supervises the lending staff.