Commercial Closing Director

Responsible for management and oversight of the closing capability in support of all Business Segments. The closing capability includes understanding commercial terms from deal inception through booking including: due diligence, document preparation, closing, funding and booking. All aspects of the closing process must be in accordance with state and federal regulation and comply with our Commercial Credit Policy. The Closing Director will establish protocol for clear to close and be responsible for upholding Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with line partners.

Oversee all Commercial closings to include exception authorization assuming risk as appropriate.

Improve or modify any process or existing procedure to ensure accuracy and integrity of the commercial closing process including obtaining, verifying and retaining any documentation to support the process.

Fully understand the transactional volume, by segment, by type, by geography, by region, etc. of all closings managed within the closing capability.

Develop staffing models informed by the volume of work required to meet the SLA’s and desired risk profile of the Bank. Monitor overall departmental performance through individual performance in all areas of the closing capability.

Determine appropriate training protocol required to achieve proficiency at each level with the closing capability. Coordinate effort with Commercial/Credit training to design, manage, and deliver to all closing employees.

Together with Counsel’s office establish a principle-based process for evaluation and utilization of external law firms. Participate in the process to on-board and discontinue services as necessary to support the capability.

Participate as necessary with the Commercial Credit Policy manager to evaluate and refine policies which impact closing capabilities.

Remain familiar with current rules, regulations, and statutes that impact the closing capability.

Develop and maintain procedures, assist with the collection of information for audits or examination processes, and remediate any findings related to the closing capability.

Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.

Adhere to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies.

Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.

Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.

Complete other related duties as assigned.

Position will be accountable for coordination, facilitation, and oversight of the closing capability for all Business Segments to ensure due diligence requirements and ensure compliance with credit policy and government regulations while balancing the needs of customers.
Ownership of the outcomes from all commercial bank segments and closing capabilities regardless of the reporting structure.
Position works with a high level of independence and will partner with other leaders across the bank to ensure accurate and efficient loan closings.
May engage in negotiation of loan documents to ensure policy and system considerations are addressed.
Work with internal legal departments in the approval and oversight of external counsel.

Matrix and/or direct oversight for regionally and specialty based closing teams covering all functions required to deliver the closing capability.

Bachelor’s degree in applicable field, plus a minimum of 10 years’ related experience inclusive of 4 years management experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined 14 years’ higher education and/or work experience, with a minimum of 10 years’ related experience inclusive of 4 years management experience.
Knowledge of required legal documentation, loan structure, and/or commercial lending experience.
Experienced in lending operations to include commercial loan approvals.
Demonstrated experience managing short time frame and complex transactions evident in certain business segments. Eg - Debt Capital Markets
Management skills to plan, assign, execute and review work of others.
Proficiency with personal computers as well as pertinent software packages.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivated, well-organized individual.
Thorough knowledge of the bank’s policies, products, and services.
Strong interpersonal skills necessary for business partner relationships within and outside organization.

MBA/Advanced Degree.

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