Head of Commercial Banking Strategy

First Horizon•Memphis, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Commercial Banking Strategy sets and executes the multi-year strategic agenda for Commercial Banking (including Middle Market), Business Banking, Community Banking, and Market/Investor CRE (≤$20MM). This leader drives deposit-led balance sheet growth, fee income, pricing discipline, portfolio performance, and a differentiated client experience by translating strategy into banker and relationship team workflows with measurable outcomes. The role directly oversees Commercial Portfolio Management Strategy, Commercial Transformation and Quality, Small Business Administration, and Digital & AI Enablement as well as line one credit and operational risk. The leader evaluates and champions AI and technology initiatives end-to-end—from vendor selection and due diligence to field adoption and realized ROI—while collaborating on policy and regulatory matters with strategic partners. This role partners with an existing PMO as needed; it does not lead a dedicated PMO.

Requirements

12+ years in Commercial Banking strategy, corporate strategy, or top-tier consulting with direct experience in Middle Market, Business Banking, Community Banking, and/or Market/Investor CRE.
Deep understanding of Commercial products and economics (credit, treasury management, payments) and risk adjusted profitability.
Hands on experience leading AI/digital transformation in Commercial Banking, including third party vendor evaluation, due diligence, deployment, and field adoption.
Proven success leading cross functional initiatives from concept through execution and value capture.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; fluency with BI/analytics tools; comfort with experimentation and ROI measurement.
Executive presence and communication skills to influence senior leadership.
People leadership experience, including leading leaders.
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
Familiarity with model risk and AI governance and third-party risk management in a regulated environment.
Experience integrating solutions into CRM and banker workflows; change management certification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the 3–5 year strategic plan for MM/BB/Community and Market/Investor CRE; translate into annual priorities, budgets, and objectives/key results; Ensure alignment with enterprise strategy, capital planning, risk appetite, and fair banking standards.
Define growth strategies by segment, market, and industry; in partnership with Regional Presidents, Finance and Sales Enablement: recommend banker annual goals in loan production, deposit production, Treasury production, New To Bank and other goals; set client acquisition, expansion, and retention priorities.
Drive revenue and LOB alignment by creating and executing strategies, leading change management, and directing stakeholder engagement across Commercial, Business Banking, Community, Private Client, and Specialty.
Lead Regional Bank commercial portfolio management to optimize asset quality and client lending experience; helps drive revenue initiatives.
Drive Regional Bank initiatives and efficiencies.
Own SBA strategy and P&L; Set growth targets, channel mix and product strategy.
Identify high impact AI and technology opportunities across origination, underwriting, onboarding, service, pricing, and portfolio management.
Map Commercial client journeys end to end; improve onboarding, service, digital engagement, and cycle times to lift NPS and retention.
Performs all other duties as assigned
Directly responsible for directing, coordinating, and evaluating designated units or certain personnel in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; providing pay change recommendations; disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.