Job Overview
M&A Executive Search has been engaged to recruit an EVP, Senior Commercial Lender for a mission-driven, rapidly expanding commercial bank with a growing multi-market footprint. This is a foundational leadership hire responsible for building and scaling commercial lending platforms across Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis, while also supporting the integration of a recently acquired Chicago-based banking operation.
The EVP will play a critical role in defining how commercial banking is structured, led, and grown across markets. This is both a build, lead, and integration role, requiring a leader who has successfully scaled lending organizations and established cohesive multi-market operating models.
The EVP, Senior Commercial Lender is responsible for building and leading a multi-market commercial lending organization. This includes direct oversight of lending teams, credit administration, and lending-related operations across multiple geographies.
The role, while simultaneously integrating acquired teams into a unified commercial banking platform. The EVP will be accountable for:
- Building lending teams in Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis
- Driving commercial loan growth and portfolio performance
- Ensuring credit discipline and governance consistency
- Establishing scalable operating processes and cultural standards
- Post-acquisition support
The following are key responsibilities for the role:
Multi-Market Commercial Lending Leadership
- Build and lead commercial lending teams across three core markets
- Drive consistent production, underwriting discipline, and client experience
- Expand relationships and deepen commercial client penetration
Credit Administration & Risk Oversight
- Oversee underwriting, credit policy, approval processes, and portfolio management.
- Ensure consistency in credit standards, risk ratings, and documentation.
- Lead or participate in credit committees and governance forums.
- Partner with special assets teams on risk mitigation and asset quality strategies.
Loan & Mortgage Operations Leadership
- Lead loan and mortgage operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and control.
- Standardize processes and service levels across multiple markets.
- Oversee loan lifecycle execution including booking, servicing, and collateral management.
Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
- Ensure adherence to all banking regulations and supervisory expectations.
- Partner with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Audit functions.
- Lead regulatory exam preparation and response efforts.
- Maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies.
Financial Performance & Strategy
- Drive commercial loan growth, profitability, and asset quality.
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.
- Lead initiatives to improve scalability, efficiency, and operational performance.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead and develop commercial lenders and operational leaders.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and disciplined risk management.
- Build succession plans and strengthen leadership bench.
Enterprise Collaboration & Representation
- Partner across business lines to deliver integrated client solutions.
- Represent the bank in industry, community, and executive forums.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
The following are key competencies required for the role:
- Commercial Lending Origination & Relationship Leadership - Demonstrated ability to originate, structure, and close complex commercial credit transactions, including large corporate relationships, specialized lending, and syndicated deals. Proven success serving as a senior relationship manager and trusted advisor to key clients while driving new business development and revenue growth.
- Credit Risk Governance & Portfolio Management -Deep expertise in credit risk management, including underwriting standards, risk rating systems, portfolio monitoring, and concentration management. Proven ability to enforce disciplined credit practices while balancing growth and risk across a diverse commercial loan portfolio.
- Multi-State Lending & Operational Leadership - Experience leading commercial lending, credit administration, and loan/mortgage operations across multiple markets or regions. Ability to standardize processes, align teams, and drive consistent performance across a geographically dispersed organization.
- Operational Excellence & Scalable Infrastructure - Strong capability to build and optimize loan operations and mortgage platforms, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Experience implementing standardized workflows, improving turnaround times, and enhancing the end-to-end loan lifecycle.
- Regulatory, Compliance & Risk Management Leadership - Comprehensive understanding of banking regulations and supervisory expectations, with a track record of successfully managing regulatory exams, audit processes, and compliance initiatives. Ability to partner cross-functionally to remediate findings and strengthen internal controls.
- Executive Leadership, Strategy & Cross-Functional Collaboration - Proven executive leadership experience with the ability to set strategy, drive performance, and develop high-performing teams. Skilled at collaborating across business lines (Treasury, Retail, Private Banking, etc.) to deliver integrated client solutions and achieve enterprise goals.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- 15+ years of progressive banking experience, with deep commercial lending expertise
- Proven leadership experience overseeing credit administration and lending operations
- Strong knowledge of commercial credit, underwriting, and portfolio management
- Experience in multi-state or regional banking environments preferred
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and supervisory expectations
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent preferred
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
Pay: From $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
