Small Business Underwriting Team Lead

FirstBank•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

The Small Business Underwriting Team Lead guides a team of underwriters and portfolio managers in providing timely, accurate lending decisions for small business and consumer loan requests, including real estate loans, secured and unsecured term loans, and lines of credit. The role supports team members and staff across markets in reviewing applications for alignment with FirstBank’s lending policies and goals, and helps deliver an exceptional lending experience. The position adheres to loan policies, laws, regulations, and role-specific compliance requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, and Information Security policies and procedures. The Team Lead also completes required annual compliance courses and demonstrates FirstBank’s mission, vision, and values through customer and internal interactions.

Requirements

Three to five years of experience as a Small Business or Consumer Underwriter, Portfolio Manager, or in a similar role at a financial institution.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain programs, loan terms, features, policies, and benefits to members and business partners.
Strong relationship-building and teamwork skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Multilingual capabilities, including Spanish.

Responsibilities

Build trust with members and internal staff by demonstrating the organization’s Core Values.
Advocate for customers and support financial equity, prosperity, and access to tools that help them thrive.
Inform the community about financial products, services, and solutions.
Support, train, and develop underwriters’ skills in analyzing applicants’ financial status and credit and evaluating properties to determine loan feasibility.
Ensure team members obtain and compile applicants’ credit histories, corporate financial statements, and other financial information.
Manage the underwriting team’s deal flow, capacity, and turnaround times.
Provide underwriters with support and guidance in evaluating member income documentation, including paystubs and personal tax returns.
Monitor adherence to lending policies and procedures.
Identify application and credit trends to inform management.
Work in a fast-paced environment using multiple technologies, tactics, and approaches.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Adhere to applicable loan policies, laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including BSA, AML, OFAC, and Information Security policies and procedures.
Complete required annual compliance courses.