SBA Closing Process Lead

Lenders Cooperative•Birmingham, AL

8h•Remote

About The Position

Lenders Cooperative is seeking an SBA Closing Process Lead to serve as the functional leader of their SBA closing team. This role is focused on transforming how closings are executed, driving efficiency, consistency, and scalability, rather than traditional people management. The individual will lead the design and optimization of closing workflows, champion the use of technology, automation, and AI, and ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance across all loan closings. As a subject matter expert in SBA 7(a) lending, the SBA Closing Process Lead will provide day-to-day guidance on complex transactions while fostering continuous improvement in speed, accuracy, and overall team performance. This role will influence and mentor the closing team. Key Objectives include improving closing efficiency and reducing cycle times through process redesign, enhancing consistency, accuracy, and compliance in loan documentation, driving adoption of technology, automation, and AI within the closing function, and serving as a thought leader and mentor to the closing team. The ideal candidate brings deep SBA 7(a) closing expertise combined with a forward-thinking, process-oriented mindset. This individual is comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, embraces technology and innovation, and is motivated to challenge and improve existing ways of working. Success in this role requires the ability to influence without direct authority, implement new solutions, and elevate team performance through better processes, not just oversight.

Requirements

7–10 years of SBA 7(a) closing or related commercial lending experience
Strong knowledge of SBA programs, SOPs, and compliance requirements
Proven ability to improve or redesign processes, not just execute them
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Experience using LOS, document management systems, or similar tools to drive efficiency
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Effective communicator with the ability to influence others and drive process adoption
Strong problem-solving skills, including handling complex or non-standard deals
Commitment to staying current on SBA guidelines and contributing to continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Interest in automation/AI a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as the functional leader of the SBA closing team.
Lead the design and optimization of closing workflows.
Champion the use of technology, automation, and AI within the closing function.
Ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance across all loan closings.
Provide day-to-day guidance on complex transactions.
Foster continuous improvement in speed, accuracy, and overall team performance.
Influence and mentor the closing team.
Improve closing efficiency and reduce cycle times through process redesign.
Enhance consistency, accuracy, and compliance in loan documentation.
Drive adoption of technology, automation, and AI within the closing function.
Serve as a thought leader and mentor to the closing team.