Director, Small Business Sales & Strategy

First Merchants Brand•Wyandotte, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Director, Small Business Sales & Strategy to join our team! This position is responsible for developing and executing the sales and growth strategy for the Small Business Banking segment. This leader drives new client acquisition, core deposit growth, lending expansion, treasury management adoption, relationship deepening, and sustainable profitability. The ideal candidate is a proven sales leader and strategic thinker who can identify market opportunities, lead a high-performing team, cultivate referral and community partnerships, and translate strategic priorities into measurable business results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, marketing, or equivalent professional experience.
At least seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking, or financial services.
Demonstrated success leading sales teams and delivering revenue growth.
Strong capabilities in strategic planning, business development, market analysis, and relationship management.
Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or relevant professional banking certification.
Experience leading teams across multiple markets or geographies.
Deep knowledge of deposit acquisition, treasury management, and small business credit solutions.
Established relationships within business, professional, and community organizations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to grow small business deposits, loans, treasury management relationships, and profitability
Lead initiatives focused on new client acquisition, market-share expansion, client retention, and relationship deepening.
Establish clear sales objectives, performance standards, and key metrics aligned with enterprise goals.
Create an active sales culture centered on prospecting, referral generation, disciplined pipeline management, and relationship development.
Monitor competitive trends and market disruption, then implement tactics that protect and accelerate growth.
Ensure all activities comply with regulatory requirements, risk standards, and bank policies.
Develop and implement strategic plans that support long-term growth within the small business segment.
Analyze client needs, market conditions, industry trends, and competitive activity to identify expansion opportunities.
Lead market penetration strategies across targeted industries and geographic markets.
Partner with Marketing to strengthen brand visibility and execute targeted campaigns supporting deposit acquisition and relationship growth.
Advocate for product, technology, service, and client-experience enhancements that improve competitiveness and support growth.
Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team of Small Business Development Officers.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, sales excellence, and consistent execution.
Provide ongoing coaching focused on prospecting, business development, relationship expansion, and achievement of sales goals.
Establish sales routines and best practices that drive sustainable individual and team performance.
Develop the team’s ability to build Centers of Influence with CPAs, attorneys, consultants, community leaders, and other referral partners.
Serve as a visible representative of the bank within the small business community.
Build strategic relationships with business owners, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, community organizations, and referral partners.
Expand and activate referral networks that generate qualified business opportunities.
Enhance the bank’s reputation as a trusted advisor and leading provider of small business financial solutions.
Collaborate with Treasury Management, Commercial Banking, Private Wealth, Marketing, and other business lines to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
Align sales strategies and growth initiatives with broader organizational priorities.
Lead cross-functional efforts that strengthen client acquisition, retention, relationship profitability, and the overall client experience.
Use client and market insights to influence product development, service enhancements, and strategic decision-making.