AVP - Jr Underwriter/Portfolio Mgr - SBL

As the Small Business Junior Underwriter/Portfolio Manager at Lakeland Bank you will support the Banks goal of enhancing the value of the Small Business Lending services by increasing the efficiency of the sales force by way of providing underwriting support, guidance, and portfolio management services to the Retail (branch staff) and Business Banking departments. Drawing on past experience, translate analytical skills into recommendations to department head in support of loan decisions up to $1,000,000. At times, may be required to provide guidance and support to the Small Business underwriting staff on credit and loan application review, deal analysis, and loan structure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and serve Small Business Lending team by providing assistance in structuring, pricing and approval of small business loans.
• Review and analyze new and renewal loan applications, financial statements, and other supporting documentation of borrowers and guarantors to effectively decision credit requests.
• Utilize Bank's decisioning software to properly process, decision, and document credit requests according to Bank policy and goals.
• Communicate loan decisions and recommendations to branch staff, Business Banking Officers, and other department personnel.
• Make sound credit decisions on credit requests within assigned credit authority and Bank policy.
• Provide guidance and support to the Small Business underwriting staff on credit and loan application review, deal analysis, and loan structure.
• Monitor and remain apprised of Small Business underwriting practices and assist the department head in communicating these practices.
• Direct loans through due diligence and documentation processes.
• Seek to maintain appropriate levels of Credit Quality in origination, renewal and portfolio monitoring of small business loans, consistent with overall objectives of the Department.
• Perform periodic review of all credit, loan, and collateral files to ensure information is current, cure exceptions, and report difficulties.
• Manage and service a portfolio of existing loans and assist team members with theirs, as well as working with the branches.
• Monitor reports from branches to attain status and activity of deals.
• Provide appropriate turnaround time on loan applications, meeting the minimum service goals for the Department.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, marketing, business administration, finance, etc.
• 5 years direct "line" experience in commercial lending, underwriting or portfolio management
• Skillset sufficient to translate analytical skills into recommendations in support of loan decisions
• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office software with advanced proficiency using Excel
• Willingness and ability work closely with Business Banking Officers, the retail branch and commercial lending areas at times
• Excellent organizational, time management and prioritization skills, sufficient to accomplish every aspect and task in the life cycle of a loan
• Excellent, effective verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness and ability to provide guidance to others at the same or lower level
• Bondable

PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiar with credit decisioning software
• Formal credit training

All Lakeland Bank employees must be bondable. FBI background checks are required to confirm eligibility for bonding. Note: A guilty plea or criminal conviction will not necessarily preclude employment at Lakeland Bank.

Lakeland Bank is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law