Commercial Lending Director I

Members First Credit Union•Midland, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Members First Credit Union is seeking a Commercial Lending Director I to build business relationships, develop a healthy loan pipeline, and deliver strategic, solution-oriented results. The role focuses on leading the Commercial Lending team, driving sustainable portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit risk management, asset quality, and compliance. The company emphasizes a culture of belonging, empowerment, and making a meaningful impact. This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the overall success of the Commercial Lending function, aligning with the Credit Union’s strategic plan and risk appetite. The role involves developing strong business relationships, ensuring an exceptional member and team member experience, and understanding a wide range of lending and treasury management solutions. The Director will also monitor market conditions, optimize efficiencies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. This is an in-office position with travel as needed, and requires obtaining a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation within the first year.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of commercial lending terms, practices, and regulatory requirements.
Advanced financial analysis skills, including global cash flow analysis, DSCR, LTV, pricing, and risk rating systems.
Ability to balance growth objectives with disciplined credit risk management.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, influence, and hold others accountable.
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and decision‑making skills.
Strategic mindset with the ability to interpret short‑ and long‑term impacts of lending strategies.
High level of integrity and commitment to member service and community impact.
Maintain thorough knowledge of the credit unions policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
Effectively apply and maintain financial counseling concepts, gained through America's Credit Unions' Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP), to promote financial well-being.
Eight to ten years similar or related experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Extensive experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, and portfolio management.
Prior leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams.
Demonstrated success in relationship‑based business development.
Advanced proficiency in project management that is both demonstrable and trainable.

Nice To Haves

Successfully obtain Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation through America’s Credit Unions within the first year of service with M1.

Responsibilities

Through leadership, coaching, and development, create a positive, empowering environment for the Commercial Lending team to allow for goal success and professional development.
Responsible for ownership, goal attainment, and overall success of the Commercial Lending function.
Lead, build, and scale commercial lending and services in alignment with the Credit Union’s strategic plan, risk appetite, and service promises.
Drive sustainable portfolio growth while maintaining strong asset quality, sound credit risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Develop and maintain strong business relationships that create a healthy loan pipeline and deepen member relationships.
Serve as a visible ambassador of the Credit Union within the business and community markets.
Ensure an exceptional member and team member experience across all commercial lending and servicing activities.
Develop a deep understanding of lending, deposit, and treasury management solutions offered internally or by a 3rd party partner.
Solutions driven leader, ensuring products align with membership and credit union needs and risk appetite.
Grow and maintain key 3rd party vendor relationships.
Monitor rates, pricing, and market conditions to ensure competitiveness and alignment with industry trends.
Be a Thought Leader in the general leadership of the organization by identifying opportunities to optimize efficiencies through people, process, and technology with simplicity and care.
Lead alignment of Commercial policies, procedures, services, products, and documentation to meet federal and state regulations. Ensure team training and compliance.
Own the overall performance, growth, and risk profile of the commercial loan portfolio.
Oversee underwriting quality, loan structuring, approvals, renewals, modifications, and ongoing credit monitoring.
Ensure timely completion of annual reviews, financial analysis, site visits, covenant monitoring, and risk rating updates.
Monitor portfolio trends, concentrations, DSCR, LTV, and other risk metrics; recommend data‑driven strategies for long‑term portfolio success.
Identify potential problem loans and lead appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Proactively identify and recommend improvements to Senior Leadership regarding key operational, credit, and strategic issues affecting the Commercial Lending function.
Review and approve credit approval packages and present recommendations to Senior Leadership, Business Lending Committee, ALCO and prepare Board presentations as needed.
Prepare monthly portfolio and regulatory reports for the Board of Directors and respond to ad‑hoc reporting requests as needed.
Develop and expand the commercial member base by deepening existing relationships and cultivating new business opportunities.
Lead the Commercial Relationship Manager and educate Branch Leaders to identify target markets, centers of influence, and growth opportunities.
Maintain an active presence in business, community, chamber, and professional organizations to generate awareness and leads.
Partner with Marketing to develop business‑related materials, promotions, and a strong commercial presence on the Credit Union’s website.
Ensure cross-sales of products and services to meet member needs and strengthen overall relationships.
Professionally resolve escalated member and non‑member complaints.
Ensure effective coordination across lending, credit, operations, documentation, servicing teams, and 3rd party vendors.
Oversee commercial lending workflows, systems, and tools, including Sageworks and onboarding platforms.
Optimize existing technology and explore new technology to optimize the entire commercial relationship lifecycle.
Lead the launch and implementation of new commercial products and services.
Collaborate with other lines of business to strengthen referrals, cross-selling, and member experience.
Support internal and external audits, portfolio reviews, and regulatory examinations. Responsible for timely resolution of audit and exam findings.
Prepare and review portfolio reporting, risk metrics, and Board‑level materials; support strategic, operational, and credit‑related initiatives as assigned.
Serve as project support on various strategic, operational, and/or credit related initiatives.
Recommend policies, procedures, and processes that lead to an environment of continuous improvement.
Prepare, implement, and monitor the departmental budget in alignment with the Credit Union’s strategic and financial plans.
Strive to exceed credit union strategic and commercial department goals.
Create and sustain a positive, empowering work environment that supports goal achievement, accountability, and professional development.
Promote and model the Credit Union’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP), mission, and core values in daily leadership behaviors.
Provide leadership, coaching, training, and performance management for team members.
Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability aligned with strategic objectives.
Mentor and develop team members to build bench strength, succession readiness, and long‑term capability.
Ensure team knowledge of lending practices, documentation requirements, systems, and regulatory expectations; implement cross‑training and succession planning as appropriate.
Maintain continuing education individually and as a team on state and federal regulations to support compliance and risk mitigation.
Write, update, and conduct performance summaries for department staff, including monthly development progress reviews.
Address performance concerns through timely coaching, documentation, and collaboration with leadership and Human Resources, recommending training, resources, or disciplinary action as appropriate.
Conduct performance summaries and development reviews to support growth, accountability, and engagement.
Provide training and orientation for new department employees. Emphasis should be placed on our culture, mission, core values, and employee value proposition from the beginning.
Other duties and projects as assigned.