VP C&I and Small Business Finance Team Lead

VP C&I and Small Business Finance Team Lead -Elmwood Park, NJ

FinTrust Connect has partnered with a well-established, growth-focused community bank in New Jersey to find an experienced and strategic leader for the role of Vice President, C&I and SBF Team Leader. This high-impact position serves as the deputy to the Department Director, overseeing operations, production, and underwriting across the banks Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Small Business Finance (SBF) departments.

The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with internal policies, uphold loan quality standards, manage portfolio performance, and lead a team responsible for structuring and underwriting both real estate and non-real estate commercial transactions.

Why this Opportunity?

• Culture: This community bank fosters a team-oriented, inclusive culture that emphasizes professional growth and a supportive, family-like environment. Employees are valued, empowered, and offered meaningful opportunities for career advancement.

• Workplace (Hybrid): Hybrid in Elmwood Park, NJ

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of a formal bank credit training program.
• 15+ years of commercial lending experience in both real estate and non-real estate sectors.
• 5+ years in a senior underwriting capacity, including structuring and closing deals.
• 5+ years of experience leading and managing high-performing teams.
• Deep knowledge of commercial credit policies and loan analysis.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and customer service skills.

Description:

• Lead and supervise all operational, underwriting, and production teams.
• Serve as acting head of the department in the absence of the Director.
• Ensure adherence to bank lending policies and effective transaction processing.
• Promote collaboration and high performance across C&I and SBF teams.
• Oversee the evaluation and approval of loan applications and modifications.
• Analyze borrower financials, loan structures, and industry trends.
• Lead due diligence on prospective borrowers and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare and review credit memoranda and ensure regulatory and internal policy compliance.
• Support Relationship Managers with structuring and negotiating deals.
• Maintain client satisfaction by resolving issues and ensuring high service standards.
• Identify lending and deposit growth opportunities in target markets.
• Support internal audits, regulatory exams, and loan reviews.
• Assist in developing and refining departmental credit policies and underwriting procedures.
• Manage departmental reporting and contribute to strategic initiatives.