Sr. Director, ESOP Lending

First National Bank of Omaha•Omaha, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

FNBO is building a dedicated ESOP lending practice and is seeking a leader to establish and grow this new vertical. This role involves building the practice from the ground up within a large, established financial institution. The position requires someone with experience in structuring and closing complex ESOP transactions, developing an industry-leading practice, and building strong relationships within the ESOP ecosystem. The individual will be responsible for strategy, origination, credit quality, team development, ecosystem relationships, and financial performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum 10 years of commercial banking experience with direct involvement in ESOP lending transactions (origination, structuring, closing, portfolio management).
Deep understanding of leveraged ESOP transaction mechanics (seller financing, cash flow dynamics, ERISA/DOL compliance, trustee/valuation requirements, repurchase obligations).
Demonstrated ability to build and manage referral networks with third-party professionals.
Strong credit analysis and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior credit committees.
Proven track record as a player-coach: able to originate deals and build infrastructure/team simultaneously.
Values alignment with FNBO’s culture of passion, integrity, and respect.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Existing relationships within the ESOP advisory ecosystem, particularly in the Midwest and Plains states.
Active membership or leadership in NCEO, The ESOP Association (TEA), or ESCA.
Experience building a new business line, lending vertical, or specialty practice from inception.
Background in a relationship-driven community or regional banking environment.
Familiarity with middle-market commercial clients in manufacturing, construction, professional services, wholesale distribution, and related industries.
Unrestricted work authorization and no requirement for future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Build and lead FNBO’s ESOP lending practice from inception, establishing strategy, infrastructure, team, and market presence.
Source, structure, and close ESOP financing transactions, partnering with Relationship Managers and Credit Risk leadership.
Develop and cultivate referral relationships with ESOP ecosystem professionals (trustees, valuation firms, attorneys, CPAs, sell-side advisors).
Establish FNBO’s reputation in the ESOP industry through active participation in organizations, conferences, and thought leadership.
Partner across FNBO’s platform (Wealth Management, Treasury, regional banking) to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Train and equip existing commercial banking teams to identify ESOP-eligible clients and engage in succession planning conversations.
Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team as the practice scales.
Own the financial performance of the vertical, including origination pipeline, portfolio quality, revenue growth, and contribution to strategic objectives.