CRE Construction Disbursement & Loan Closing Manager

Stifel•Saint Louis, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CRE Construction Disbursement & Loan Closing Manager supports the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Lending group by managing loan closings and construction disbursement activity for complex CRE transactions. This role partners closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, Operations, and Legal, and serves as the primary point of contact for borrowers and third‑party professionals throughout the construction phase. This position plays a critical role in mitigating execution risk, facilitating timely funding, and ensuring disciplined administration across the CRE construction loan portfolio.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of commercial real estate construction lending structures, documentation, and disbursement mechanics.
Demonstrated experience managing construction loan closings and draw administration, exercising sound judgment and a high level of attention to detail.
Proven ability to effectively collaborate with attorneys, borrowers, title companies, inspectors, operations, and internal credit partners.
Ability to interpret and analyze loan documents, credit approvals, construction budgets, and draw schedules to ensure accurate execution and compliance.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple active construction loans and competing deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a professional, confident, and client-facing approach.
Ability to work independently and proactively, while maintaining close alignment with the CRE Lending team, Credit, and Operations.
Strong aptitude for learning and adapting to new lending and documentation platforms.
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience.
7+ years of experience in commercial real estate construction loan closing, disbursement, administration, or a related CRE lending role.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, with the ability to prepare and review loan documentation, track construction budgets, and manage disbursement activity.
Experience working within commercial loan servicing, loan accounting, and document management systems.
Comfortable navigating multiple internal systems to support loan closing, disbursement, and ongoing construction administration.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing a loan administration team within a commercial real estate lending environment.

Responsibilities

Support the CRE Lending team by managing the execution of construction loan closings, managing the process from credit approval through ultimate payoff, including active management of the construction disbursement process.
Participate in and support pre-closing discussions with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, internal stakeholders, outside counsel, Borrowers, and title companies to ensure alignment with approved credit structures.
Review and validate loan documentation, construction budgets, draw schedules, and closing requirements to ensure consistency with approved credit terms.
Serve as a primary point of contact for borrowers, attorneys, title companies, inspectors, and other external parties throughout the construction and loan disbursement process.
Review and administer construction loan disbursements, including review of inspections, lien waivers, change orders, budget reallocations, and date‑down endorsements.
Evaluate draw requests and supporting documentation to ensure appropriate progress, compliance, and alignment with loan agreements and adherence to approved budgets.
Identify, track, and resolve loan exceptions and variances related to legal, insurance, title, documentation, construction activity, or covenant compliance in partnership with Lending, Credit, and Legal teams.
Manage loan booking, funding activity, and ongoing account maintenance within applicable systems.
Support amendments, renewals, and modifications related to CRE loans as needed.
Provide subject-matter expertise and guidance related to construction lending administration, documentation standards, and risk considerations to support consistent execution and portfolio quality.