Sr. Director, ESOP Lending

First National Bank•Omaha, NE

2d•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 strategy, infrastructure, team, and market presence for a best-in-class ESOP lending program. The position requires originating, structuring, and closing complex ESOP transactions, developing referral relationships within the ESOP ecosystem, and establishing FNBO's reputation in the industry. The role also involves partnering across FNBO's platform, training existing commercial banking teams, recruiting and leading a team, and owning the financial performance of the vertical. This is an opportunity to build a new business line from the ground up within a large, established financial institution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum 10 years of commercial banking experience with direct involvement in ESOP lending transactions—from origination and structuring through closing and ongoing portfolio management.
Deep understanding of leveraged ESOP transaction mechanics, including seller financing structures, cash flow dynamics, ERISA and DOL compliance, independent trustee and valuation requirements, and repurchase obligation considerations.
Demonstrated ability to build and manage referral networks with third-party professionals—trustees, valuation firms, attorneys, CPAs, and sell-side advisors.
Strong credit analysis and presentation skills with experience presenting to senior credit committees.
Proven track record as a player-coach: someone who can personally originate and close deals while simultaneously building infrastructure, developing a team, and executing a multi-year growth strategy.
Values alignment with FNBO’s culture of passion, integrity, and respect.
Unrestricted work authorization and not requiring future sponsorship.

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.

Responsibilities

Build and lead FNBO’s ESOP lending practice from inception—establishing the strategy, infrastructure, team, and market presence required to develop a best-in-class program.
Source, structure, and close ESOP financing transactions, partnering with regional Relationship Managers and Credit Risk leadership to deliver solutions that serve our clients and meet our credit standards.
Develop and cultivate referral relationships across the ESOP ecosystem—trustees, valuation firms, attorneys, CPAs, and sell-side advisors who influence lender selection on new ESOP formations.
Establish FNBO’s reputation in the ESOP industry through active participation in national organizations, conferences, educational programming, and thought leadership.
Partner across FNBO’s platform—Wealth Management, Treasury, and regional banking teams—to deliver comprehensive solutions that deepen client relationships and drive cross-line-of-business value.
Train and equip FNBO’s existing commercial banking teams to identify ESOP-eligible clients and engage in early-stage succession planning conversations.
Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team as the practice scales, fostering a culture of credit discipline, intellectual curiosity, and urgency.
Own the financial performance of the vertical—origination pipeline, portfolio quality, revenue growth, and contribution to FNBO’s strategic objectives.