Senior Commercial Credit Officer, C&I Middle Market Lending

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Senior Credit Officer reports directly to the Chief Credit Officer and plays a key role in the loan approval process and overall portfolio management for their assigned vertical. Will be the primary contact for commercial lenders, underwriters, product specialists, and senior leadership for all new, renewals, and/or modifications of credit pertaining to C&I Middle Market lending. As such, they will be entrusted to maintain and ensure commercial extensions of credit within their purview are within Alerus' risk appetite, meet loan policy parameters and are properly managed. Position will lead and manage the underwriting team for C&I Middle Market lending, including performance management.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• This position is responsible for providing credit support to both Business Advisors and Underwriters on C&I Middle Market credit requests in the decisioning, administering and overseeing of commercial credit as outlined in the bank's loan policy.
• In partnership with the Business Advisor and Underwriter, develop a comprehensive understanding of customer's financial needs, and formulate a plan of action for loan structure, monitoring, and servicing of loan relationship. Work with Commercial Bankers and credit staff to properly structure credit requests to achieve quality loan growth.
• Knowledgeable of and ability to propose loan programs as appropriate (SBA, USDA, FSA, etc.)
• Support the bank's growth and loan quality goals by ensuring that loan policies and procedures are properly adhered to.
• Approve loans within the positions delegated credit authority and facilitate approvals for relationships requiring higher level of approval.
• Manage workflow among underwriters, conduct weekly team meetings to discuss workloads and reassign priorities as needed to ensure timely completion in line with client expectations.
• Provide day-to-day oversight, monitoring, and performance management of staff. Create performance plans and ensure timely reviews for all underwriting staff.
• Manage ongoing administration of credit relationships through oversight of annual review process, management of ticklers and payment status.
• Assist, as necessary, with regulatory and internal audit reviews and internal credit reviews.
• Participate in projects as directed by the CCO as a credit subject matter expert.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, including upper-level courses in finance and accounting.
• 10+ years of experience working in C&I commercial credit, including approval authority.
• 5-7 years of experience in personnel management and supervision.
• Strong desire to build relationships within the Alerus organization and effective working relationships with co-workers in credit and business development positions.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• Professional customer service skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Self-starter with established ability to work effectively with minimal day-to-day supervision.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.