Sr. Relationship Manager, Commercial

KeyBank•Cincinnati, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial serves as the primary contact and Financial Advisor for commercial clients, leading business development and relationship management within a targeted geographic area. The role collaborates with bankers and product partners to develop and deliver solutions that meet client needs, and directs implementation of proposed plans. It drives financial performance through profitable cash management and deposit growth, quality credit, and strategic advisory services. The position serves as a trusted financial advisor and commercial banking expert, developing a comprehensive understanding of clients’ and prospects’ businesses and industries. It manages strategic matters such as capital raising, regulatory compliance, ownership transition planning, mergers and acquisitions, and revenue cycle management. The role also explains the bank’s capabilities across product areas including cash management, derivatives, and equipment finance. The Senior Relationship Manager leads prospecting, develops referral networks, identifies cross-sell opportunities, and coordinates credit and non-credit solutions with bankers and product specialists. It leads underwriting, credit structuring, and portfolio management; supports asset quality and risk assessment; and prepares Asset Quality Reports and Risk Rating models. The role also mentors junior Relationship Managers, leads strategic client reviews, contributes to commercial-team planning, and maximizes portfolio profitability. Other duties may be assigned, and responsibilities may change. Employees must comply with KeyBank policies and procedures, act professionally and ethically, avoid conflicts of interest, and act in the best interests of clients and Key.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of financial services experience.
At least 1 year of formal commercial credit training and experience at a bank or financial institution.
Strong track record of achieving performance targets.
Prioritize clients’ needs, goals, and success and provide tailored, responsive service.
Make decisions that reflect high ethical standards and balance client needs with regulatory and organizational responsibilities.
Take ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes and hold oneself and others accountable for results.
Anticipate trends and align client strategies with long-term business goals and market opportunities.
Communicate clearly and persuasively with senior executives to influence decisions and build trust.
Understand commercial organizations’ financial, operational, and strategic drivers.
Use customer relationship management systems to track interactions, manage pipelines, and support relationship development.
Engage clients to uncover needs and deliver customized financial solutions that create measurable, sustainable value.
Demonstrate deep knowledge of commercial banking products and services and their application to commercial clients.
Design and negotiate complex financial solutions that align with client needs and the bank’s risk and profitability standards.
Evaluate the likelihood and impact of risks and identify leading indicators to support informed decisions.
Demonstrate Key’s values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.
A valid driver’s license is required if driving to multiple locations is necessary.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
At least 5 years of high-performing experience providing financial expertise, counsel, and customized solutions to commercial clients in middle- to upper-market revenue brackets.
Experience working in relationship management teams, with a proven understanding of balancing business development and asset quality.
Involvement in relevant boards and/or industry organizations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the trusted financial advisor, business partner, commercial banking expert, and primary contact for clients.
Lead business development and relationship management in a targeted geographic area, including focused growth strategies and active prospecting.
Develop and maintain a holistic understanding of clients’ and prospects’ businesses and industries.
Manage strategic client matters, including capital raising, regulatory compliance, ownership transition planning, mergers and acquisitions, and revenue cycle management.
Educate clients about the bank’s capabilities, including cash management, derivatives, and equipment finance.
Develop and maintain a Center of Influence referral network.
Identify cross-sell opportunities and collaborate with bankers and product specialists to structure, coordinate, and sponsor credit and non-credit products and services.
Build sales and credit expertise, share knowledge with team members, and partner with Credit Officers as the first-level sponsor for credit decisions.
Assemble and lead cross-functional teams to respond to customer requests that cannot be addressed personally.
Lead credit processes, including underwriting, structuring, and portfolio management; ensure asset quality; and prepare Asset Quality Reports and Risk Rating models.
Mentor junior Relationship Managers and contribute to team capabilities and performance.
Lead strategic client reviews and provide insights and recommendations aligned with client goals.
Contribute to strategic planning and initiatives for the commercial team.
Maximize profitability of the assigned portfolio by effectively selling the value provided by Key.
Comply with KeyBank policies and procedures, act professionally and ethically, avoid conflicts of interest, and act in the best interests of clients and Key.
Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities and activities may change or be added.