VP, Commercial Loan Officer

OSP LP•Palatine, IL

15h•$165,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Commercial Loan Officer is responsible for originating, structuring, underwriting, and managing commercial loan relationships that align with First Bank’s strategic goals. This role requires strong financial analysis, credit judgment, and relationship building skills, with the ability to evaluate complex transactions across commercial real estate, construction, multifamily, bridge financing, and C&I loans. You will work closely with clients, credit administration, and internal departments to ensure high-quality service, strong risk management, and compliance with regulatory and bank policy requirements.

Requirements

10+ years of progressively responsible experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, or commercial banking.
Proven track record of originating and managing complex commercial relationships.
Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, or related field; formal credit training is strongly preferred.
Strong working knowledge of commercial loan documentation, regulatory guidelines, and underwriting best practices.
Experience mentoring or managing junior lending staff.
Must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and written.
Must possess interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively at all levels of the organization.
Ability to read and understand relevant statutory and regulatory requirements imperative.
Must present oneself in a positive business-like image to all internal and external customers.
Proven ability to quickly grasp and understand business strategies
High standards and ability to foster a sense of collaboration, pride, and fun within the group
Well-organized and bottom line-oriented; being deliberate and quantitative about costs/benefits, both immediate and long-term
Excellent listening and communication skills, both written and verbal
Able to work independently, but also able to motivate others, including peers and independent colleagues
Unquestionable integrity

Nice To Haves

Formal credit training is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, source, and develop new commercial lending opportunities.
Build relationships with business owners, brokers, and centers of influence to grow the loan portfolio.
Represent the bank in the business community, identifying growth opportunities that align with the bank’s lending philosophy.
Underwrite, structure, and negotiate large and complex commercial loan transactions including CRE, C&I, bridge financing, and acquisition loans.
Analyze financial statements, tax returns, projections, and collateral to assess creditworthiness.
Prepare detailed credit memos and present recommendations to senior credit leadership and loan committees.
Manage an active portfolio of commercial loans, ensuring strong credit quality and profitability.
Monitor borrower performance, covenant compliance, collateral, and financial reporting.
Identify and address early warning indicators and recommend risk mitigation actions.
Coordinate closing activities with attorneys, title companies, construction inspectors, credit administration, and internal partners.
Review legal documentation for accuracy and alignment with credit approval.
Ensure proper funding, collateral perfection, and adherence to internal controls.
Serve as the primary point of contact for borrowers, delivering proactive support and tailored financing solutions.
Maintain relationships through regular check-ins, portfolio reviews, and cross-sale of banking services.