Sr Commercial Lending Documentation & Operations Specialist

Alera Financial • Arlington Heights, IL

1d • $26 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Loan Documentation & Operations Specialist is responsible for overseeing the commercial loan documentation, closing, booking, and post-closing functions for the Commercial Lending Department. This role serves as the department's subject matter expert for loan documentation and operational processes supporting Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Commercial & Industrial (C&I), Small Business, and future SBA lending activities. The Senior Loan Documentation & Operations Specialist ensures the accurate preparation, review, booking, and boarding of commercial loans while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and loan approval conditions. In addition to performing complex loan documentation and closing activities, this position provides leadership, training, workflow management, and quality control oversight for loan operations staff.

Requirements

• Associate's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5-7 years of commercial loan documentation, closing, processing, or loan operations experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience using LaserPro loan documentation software in a commercial lending environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparing, reviewing, and managing loan documentation through LaserPro.
• Recognized as an advanced/expert LaserPro user with the ability to troubleshoot complex documentation issues and ensure compliance with lending policies and regulatory requirements.
• Experience providing training, mentoring, and guidance to staff on LaserPro functionality, documentation processes, and best practices.
• Proven ability to serve as an internal LaserPro Subject Matter Expert (SME) and trainer.
• Experience supporting CRE, C&I, and small business lending required.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial loan documentation and closing requirements.
• Minimum 5-7 years experience with LaserPro.
• Strong understanding of commercial real estate, commercial business, and small business loan structures.
• Knowledge of loan booking systems, collateral management, and servicing processes.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective leadership, training, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum 2 years of experience training, mentoring, or leading staff preferred.
• SBA lending experience preferred or willingness to develop expertise in SBA loan programs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and coordinate commercial loan documentation for CRE, C&I, owner-occupied, investor real estate, equipment, lines of credit, and small business lending transactions.
• Review approved loan structures and ensure all documentation accurately reflects credit approvals and loan terms.
• Coordinate and facilitate loan closings with borrowers, attorneys, title companies, insurance providers, and other third parties.
• Verify receipt and review of required due diligence items, including title work, insurance, entity documents, appraisal requirements, and collateral documentation.
• Ensure all pre-closing and post-closing conditions are satisfied.
• Maintain documentation standards and promote consistency across all commercial loan transactions.
• Oversee the timely and accurate booking, funding, boarding, and maintenance of commercial loan relationships.
• Perform quality control reviews of loan setup and servicing records to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Ensure proper collateral tracking, covenant monitoring support, tickler management, and document imaging procedures.
• Monitor operational workflows and ensure service level expectations are met.
• Develop and maintain procedures that improve efficiency, accuracy, and risk management.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational direction for the Commercial Loan Operations team.
• Train, coach, and mentor Loan Operations staff.
• Delegate daily workflow assignments and balance workloads among team members.
• Serve as escalation point for complex documentation, closing, and booking issues.
• Establish quality control standards and review completed work for accuracy.
• Assist management with staffing recommendations, process improvements, and performance development.
• Assist with implementation and operational support of SBA lending programs.
• Develop knowledge of SBA SOP requirements and documentation standards.
• Coordinate SBA loan documentation, closing, servicing, and reporting functions as SBA lending activities are introduced.
• Ensure all loan documentation and operational activities comply with applicable federal and state regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of commercial lending regulations and industry best practices.
• Participate in internal audits, examinations, and regulatory reviews.
• Support risk mitigation efforts through documentation quality control and operational oversight.

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Profit sharing
• PTO
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree