Consumer & Small Business Lender

Wilson Bank & Trust•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

The Consumer & Small Business Lender meets with prospects and customers to develop and retain a portfolio of consumer and small business loans, particularly in an assigned region. The position focuses on lending, retaining and deepening existing customer relationships, and developing new business through business calls and collaboration with internal partners to offer a range of banking products and services. The lender reports to the Regional President or Market Leader and provides excellent service and support to customers and teammates while demonstrating the company’s values and supporting its mission. The role involves guiding customers through financial decisions, building relationships, and partnering across the bank to deliver lending solutions. It includes gathering applications and documentation, conducting preliminary credit analysis, preparing loan proposals, monitoring loan progress, and maintaining compliance with applicable banking regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field.
Three years of experience in consumer lending.
Previous sales experience, specifically managing relationships and developing new business.
Knowledge of real estate lending, documentation, collateralization, UCC-1 law, lien perfection, and deeds of trust.
Strong knowledge of financial principles, loan underwriting, lending regulations, credit analysis, and contracts with individual or corporate borrowers.
Understanding of the loan-funding process and use of general ledger accounts for funding.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
Effective presentation skills.
Attention to detail, critical-thinking ability, and problem-solving skills.
High standards of integrity, honesty, professionalism, and work ethic.
Commitment to service excellence.
Ability to work independently with excellent organization and follow-through.
Flexible and efficient time management skills and ability to prioritize workload.
Ability and willingness to work with purpose and a strong sense of urgency.
Self-motivated, positive, and enthusiastic approach.
Self-starter with a strong desire to exceed expectations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
Ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve business objectives.
Ability to work extended hours as needed.
Willingness to grow and be challenged.

Responsibilities

Develop and retain a portfolio of consumer and small business loans, especially in the assigned region, meeting with prospects and customers of varying size and complexity.
Retain and strengthen current relationships and develop new business through various channels.
Make business calls independently and with internal business partners to offer a range of banking products and services.
Schedule and coordinate meetings with customers and prospects, attend business events, and serve as a point of contact for new and existing customers.
Receive loan applications and related documentation required at application.
Conduct preliminary credit analysis, review customer financial statements, and make recommendations to management.
Prepare loan proposals and credit memos, negotiating terms such as repayment methods and collateral specifications.
Develop and maintain an interest-rate structure consistent with bank policies and procedures and competitive with current market rates.
Comply with loan underwriting criteria, including approval limits, loan-to-value requirements, lien position, and insurance requirements.
Monitor construction draws, clear exceptions, and gather financial documentation from customers and internal teams.
Monitor loan status and follow up on outstanding documentation.
Communicate credit-decision status to prospects and borrowers.
Maintain collection efforts to minimize past-due accounts.
Attend scheduled office and bank meetings and provide input and updates on lending activities as required.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, personal networks, and professional associations.
Comply with federal banking regulations and laws, including consumer protection requirements and the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Program.
Attend training and participate in outside community activities as requested or required.
Perform other duties as assigned.