Sr. Relationship Manager, Commercial

KeyBank•Cleveland, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial serves as the primary contact and financial advisor for commercial clients, leading business development and relationship management within a targeted geographic area. The role collaborates with bankers and product partners to develop and deliver client solutions and directs their implementation. It drives financial performance through profitable cash management and deposit growth, quality credit, and strategic advisory services. The position leads client relationships and prospecting, identifies cross-sell opportunities, coordinates credit and non-credit solutions, and oversees credit processes and portfolio quality. It also leads strategic client reviews, mentors junior Relationship Managers, and contributes to commercial team planning and initiatives. The role is based at 127 Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio, with an in-office presence prioritized and flexible mobile-work options where duties can be performed effectively. Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of financial services experience.
At least 1 year of formal commercial credit training and experience from a bank or financial institution.
Strong track record of achieving performance targets.
Demonstrated client focus, ethical decision-making, accountability, and strategic thinking.
Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with senior executives and build trust.
Understanding of commercial organizations’ financial, operational, and strategic drivers.
Ability to use customer relationship management systems to track interactions, manage pipelines, and support relationships.
Ability to uncover client needs and deliver customized financial solutions that create sustainable value.
Deep knowledge of commercial banking products and services.
Ability to design and negotiate complex financial solutions that meet client needs and the bank’s risk and profitability standards.
Ability to assess risks and identify leading indicators to support informed decisions.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver’s license if required to travel between locations.
Ability to perform general office work, including prolonged sitting, face-to-face and telephone communication, frequent PC or laptop use, and occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of bags weighing up to 10 pounds.
All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
At least 5 years of high-performing experience providing financial expertise, counsel, and customized solutions to commercial clients in middle- to upper-market revenue brackets.
Experience working in relationship management teams and understanding the need to balance business development with asset quality.
Involvement in relevant boards and/or industry organizations.

Responsibilities

Serve as trusted financial advisor and business partner to clients, acting as the commercial banking expert and primary contact for most client-related matters.
Lead growth strategy and business development by developing a holistic understanding of clients’ and prospects’ businesses and industries.
Manage strategic client issues such as capital raising, regulatory compliance, ownership transition planning, mergers and acquisitions, and revenue cycle management.
Educate clients on the bank’s expertise and capabilities, including cash management, derivatives, and equipment finance.
Prospect actively by identifying, qualifying, and calling prospects, and develop a Center of Influence referral network.
Identify cross-sell opportunities and collaborate with community bankers and product specialists to structure, coordinate, and sponsor credit and non-credit products and services.
Improve sales and credit expertise, share knowledge with team members, and partner with Credit Officers as the first-level sponsor for credit decisions.
Assemble and lead cross-functional teams to respond promptly to customer requests that the Relationship Manager cannot address personally.
Lead credit processes and maintain asset quality through underwriting, structuring, and portfolio management; prepare Asset Quality Reports and Risk Rating models.
Mentor junior Relationship Managers and contribute to team capability and performance development.
Lead strategic client reviews and proactively provide insights and recommendations aligned with client goals.
Contribute to commercial team strategic planning and initiatives.
Maximize the profitability of the assigned portfolio by effectively selling the value the bank provides.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with KeyBank policies and procedures, including ethical conduct and acting in clients’ and Key’s best interests.