Director of Commercial & Industrial

Centier Bank•Merrillville, IN

About The Position

The Director of Commercial & Industrial (C&I) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the bank’s C&I lending platform. In partnership with the Head of Community Banking and Market Presidents, this role drives disciplined portfolio growth, assists with relationship strategies, maintains strong credit quality, and ensures consistent execution of the bank’s C&I strategy across all markets. The Director works closely with C&I Commercial Bankers and Credit Administration to ensure sound underwriting, proactive risk management, and compliance with regulatory and credit standards. This position also aligns C&I lending with Treasury, Retail, Wealth Management, and Operations to deliver comprehensive financial solutions. A critical focus of the role is providing clear, concise direction to lending teams that improves speed to market, reinforces relationship-based banking and strengthens the bank’s competitive position.

Requirements

Proven track record of driving profitable loan growth while maintaining strong credit quality.
Deep understanding of C&I business and market penetration, lending structures, and regulatory requirements.
Exceptional leadership, relationship management, and communication skills.
Ability to lead through influence, fostering alignment across diverse business functions.
Ability to coach and train others on credit analysis and writing loan presentations.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field required.
10–15 years of progressive experience in C&I lending, including leadership of multi-market teams

Nice To Haves

MBA or Graduate Banking Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the C&I lending strategy aligned with growth, profitability, and risk objectives.
Partner with Market Presidents to identify market‑specific opportunities and set production goals.
Advance relationship-based banking strategies that deepen client engagement, expand referral networks, and drive long-term, multi-product client relationships.
Monitor portfolio performance, diversification, and concentration limits.
Ensure consistent underwriting standards and adherence to credit policy.
Collaborate with Credit Administration on structuring and approval of complex C&I transactions.
Identify and proactively address emerging portfolio risks.
Support C&I Commercial Bankers in expanding market presence and deepening key relationships.
Represent the bank in industry and professional organizations.
Foster collaboration across Credit, Treasury Management, Retail Banking, Wealth Management, and Operations.
Serve as a liaison between C&I teams and executive leadership to ensure strategic alignment.
Promote a collaborative, accountable, client‑focused culture.
Support recruiting, training, and succession planning for Cl&I talent.
Expand lender knowledge of secondary‑market products in coordination with Syndications.
Participate in internal and external loan reviews.
Ensure timely, accurate reporting of portfolio performance and pipeline activity.
Support process and technology initiatives to enhance efficiency and client experience.