Commercial Lender - Columbus, GA

FIRST PEOPLES BANK•Columbus, GA

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commercial Lender is responsible for developing, managing, and expanding commercial banking relationships within the bank's market area. This role focuses on generating quality commercial loans, promoting banking products and services, and maintaining strong customer relationships. The Commercial Lender ensures loans are underwritten, structured, and serviced according to bank policies and regulatory standards while embodying the bank's relationship-focused culture.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
3–7 years of commercial lending or credit underwriting experience, preferably in a community bank environment.
Strong understanding of commercial credit analysis and loan structuring.
Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and loan documentation.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build rapport with business owners and community leaders.
Proficiency in financial analysis tools and banking software.
High level of integrity, sound judgment, and customer-focused mindset.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SBA lending (preferred but not required).

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of commercial clients, including small and mid-sized businesses.
Identify lending opportunities through proactive calling, networking, and community involvement.
Build long-term relationships by providing tailored financial solutions and exceptional service.
Cross-sell banking products such as treasury management, deposits, and merchant services.
Evaluate loan requests by analyzing financial statements, cash flows, collateral, industry conditions, and borrower creditworthiness.
Structure commercial loans (C&I, CRE, SBA, agricultural, or other relevant loan types).
Prepare and present credit proposals to loan committee or credit administration.
Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and sound credit practices.
Monitor existing credits for performance, covenant compliance, and risk trends.
Conduct periodic site visits and maintain regular communication with borrowers.
Identify early warning signs and take action to mitigate risk.
Manage renewals, modifications, and annual reviews in a timely manner.
Represent the bank at community events, chamber meetings, and business organizations.
Uphold the community bank's commitment to local engagement and relationship banking.
Achieve assigned production goals while maintaining high credit quality.
Demonstrate active participation in community and business development activities.
Maintain accurate and organized loan documentation and portfolio records.
Provide superior customer service aligned with the bank's relationship-banking culture.