Head of Agency and Servicing

Natixis•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Natixis is seeking a dynamic Head of Agency and Servicing (A&S) to lead its administrative agency function. This pivotal role involves serving as a key liaison between Originators, Syndicators, and Relationship Managers, shaping the client experience, executing client management processes, and resolving servicing issues. A significant strategic initiative includes integrating all Middle Office functions pertinent to Natixis' role as a Lender in A&S-agented transactions. The Head of A&S will manage and mentor a team of ten Administrative Agency Officers, acting as a visible representative of Natixis' Administrative Agency, driving customer engagement, and upholding the bank's reputation. This senior leadership role manages a primary portfolio of complex agency mandates, overseeing all agency and servicing responsibilities for Natixis New York Branch Agency mandates within Corporate Financing and Investment Banking lending products. Backup support for the Real Estate and Hospitality (REH) Business Unit is also included. An entrepreneurial approach is encouraged to support client relationships while protecting Natixis' economic interests.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance or a related field is required.
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate banking, with a strong background in syndicated lending, project finance, leveraged finance, structured finance, aviation structures, and asset-based lending.
A deep and practical understanding of banking activities and products, including various lending types, letters of credit, borrowing base transactions, and complex interest and fee calculations.
Proven proficiency in analyzing corporate financial statements and calculating financial ratios and other key analytics.
Demonstrated experience with legal documentation specific to lending transactions and agency engagements, with a keen ability to identify and escalate complex interpretive issues.
Exceptional proficiency in MS Office applications, with a particular emphasis on advanced Excel skills, including the use of macros.
A highly motivated and self-directed individual with a natural inclination to proactively identify, analyze, and solve problems with viable solutions.
Outstanding organizational skills, with a proven ability to lead a team in meeting demanding deadlines and to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent tasks to successful and timely completion.
A collaborative spirit, with the ability to work effectively within a team environment and in partnership with various departments, business lines, and international jurisdictions.
Articulate and persuasive verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and succinctly convey complex information in an organized and compelling manner.

Nice To Haves

An MBA is a significant plus.
Familiarity with banking systems, such as LIQ, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Mentor and develop the team, sharing business experience to elevate professionalism and expertise.
Cultivate and manage strong relationships with outsourcing partners, ensuring seamless operational integration.
Contribute to the design and evolution of the A&S "Servicing" platform, including new systems and enhancements.
Spearhead strategic planning and presentations to highlight A&S's value creation and secure resources for organic growth.
Support Business Units (BUs) in deal pricing, pitching, and originating mandates, optimizing deal structures and mitigating risks.
Assist BUs with compliance-related matters and the lender onboarding process.
Thoroughly review draft legal documentation, offering advice and feedback.
Initiate Agency booking memos to accurately convey transaction terms and ensure compliance.
Provide comprehensive agency support and services throughout the legal and operational closing of transactions, managing conditions precedent and subsequent.
Execute core A&S functions, including covenant monitoring, deadline management, and facilitating borrower documentation dissemination.
Proactively respond to and resolve stakeholder requests for information and documentation.
Instruct Data Management for payment instructions and coordinate audit confirmation processing.
Ensure proper registration and renewal of UCC filings.
Liaise with and instruct Loan and Payment Services and Letter of Credit teams to manage L/C, borrowing, repayment activity, notifications, and rate settings.
Maintain and update KYC and AML documentation in collaboration with Compliance, staying current with regulatory requirements.
Execute internal and external legal documents on behalf of Natixis Agency in accordance with granted signature authorities.
Manage the distribution of waivers and amendments to financing documentation and facilitate lenders' voting requirements.
Oversee all aspects of the process for assignments, sales, and secondary trades.
Demonstrate a strong command of legal documentation, analyzing, interpreting, and acting upon its provisions, consulting with Legal Counsel on complex matters.
Drive strategic planning and presentations to ensure sustained recognition of A&S's value and to secure necessary resources for organic growth.
Lead and supervise the Agency team responsible for Natixis Loan Agency commercial lending closing activities for Natixis Americas Business Unit syndications.
Direct the team's day-to-day operations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all transactions.
Leverage technical expertise to guide team members, manage escalations, and make informed decisions on complex transactions.
Collaborate with the Head of Americas Financing Operations Manager to develop and implement policies and procedures aligned with Global Process Owner (GPO) guidelines.
Establish clear team and individual goals, drive performance, and foster a culture of accountability.
Effectively manage workflow, implement quality control measures for Loan Admin servicing activities, and foster a continuous improvement mindset.
Oversee the hiring and training process, ensuring the team possesses the necessary skillsets.
Conduct standard employee management activities, including performance reviews and staffing and planning forecasts.
Champion leadership initiatives and represent the department in strategic projects.