Small Business Underwriting Manager

Lake Ridge Bank•Middleton, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of our Middleton office, the Small Business Underwriting Manager plays a key leadership role in driving the success of our small business portfolio. This position oversees and mentors a team of Credit Analysts while ensuring high-quality, timely, and well-balanced credit decisions. Partnering closely with the Vice President Commercial/Ag Underwriting Manager, this role has meaningful influence on credit strategy, risk management, and growth within our small business segment. It’s an excellent opportunity for a collaborative underwriting leader who enjoys developing talent and supporting relationship-based banking.

Requirements

Associates or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Admin or relevant field and/or 3-5 years previous work experience.
Previous experience in commercial and/or ag loan underwriting
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise manner
Adept in ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes and procedures, prioritize workload, set and meet deadlines, and perform well with a minimum of direct supervision
Ability to maintain accuracy and focus with attention to detail in fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities
Detail oriented, with ability to manage time and organize competing priorities
Interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with a broad range of professional and technical staff
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written) in order to communicate and relate effectively with customers and associates
Strong attention to detail with the ability to work on multiple priorities efficiently & accurately
Demonstrated ability in exercising independent judgment
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to provide ownership over own work in order to get the job done
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and remain calm while working in a fast paced/deadline driven environment
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, proficient typing/keyboarding skills and the ability and willingness to learn new programs and software
Ability to maintain confidential customer information
Ability to read, write, understand and speak English clearly
Ability to represent the organization in a professional, positive manner

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and/or 5 + years Commercial / Agriculture underwriting experience
Knowledge of Commercial and Agricultural Banking systems and processes
Knowledge of compliance and banking regulations
Good understanding of financial products and services

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of Credit Analysts, providing mentorship, guidance, and training to enhance team performance and career growth.
Allocate and prioritize underwriting assignments, ensuring efficiency and timeliness in processing applications.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear objectives, and foster a collaborative team environment.
Review and approve small business credit applications within assigned lending authority.
Complete loan presentations assigned to the Commercial Underwriting team on an as needed basis when workflow exceeds their capacity.
Analyze financial statements, credit reports, and other data to assess borrower risk and recommend decisions.
Ensure consistent application of underwriting standards and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Monitor and streamline underwriting processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and client experience.
Complete any required reporting that supports short and long term tracking of departmental metrics, goals, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop, implement, and update credit policies and procedures.
Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in credit underwriting.
Partner with Relationship Managers, Business, Agriculture and Commercial Lending teams to provide timely and expert credit decision support.
Serve as a key point of contact for escalated credit decisions and inquiries.
Communicate credit policy updates, industry trends, and team performance metrics to senior leadership.
Perform other tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job and department, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
Works as part of a team to accomplish office/dept goals. This includes working additional hours as needed and/or taking on additional responsibilities as needed within other rotations.
Assist with various projects as needed and/or perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Participates in internal/external training as appropriate.
Participates in community involvement/bank activities as appropriate.
Perform all other duties as assigned or requested.
Adhere to all Bank Security/Compliance Regulations
Complete all annual bank security and compliance training.
Adhere to Bank Security/compliance and policy guidelines.
Always maintain confidentiality of client information.
Stay current on all compliance regulations, required through training and daily education.