C&1 Lending Pod Team Lead

Lead and inspire a high-performing team of Lending Specialists, driving operational excellence in day-to-day pipeline management and underwriting complex loan transactions. Serve as the primary escalation point for pipeline challenges, providing expert guidance and solutions to ensure seamless loan processing and exceptional client service.  This role requires a deep understanding of residential lending, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to navigate complex deals while fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

Primary responsibilities of the Private Bank, C&I Lending Specialist, Team Lead includes:

• Pipeline Management & Optimization: Oversee the C&I lending pipeline, ensuring efficient loan processing from application to closing. Proactively identify and address bottlenecks, implement process improvements, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to maximize productivity and meet service level agreements.
• Complex Deal Underwriting: As needed, personally handle the more complex and challenging loan applications, leveraging advanced underwriting expertise to assess risk and make sound lending decisions. Provide guidance and support to team members on structuring complex deals.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide day-to-day supervision, training, coaching, and mentorship to C&I Lending Specialists. Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, promoting continuous learning and professional development. 
• Escalation Point & Problem Solver: Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated pipeline issues, providing timely and effective solutions to resolve complex problems and remove roadblocks.  Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Collaboration & Communication: Effectively collaborate with internal partners, including sales, processing, and closing teams, to ensure seamless loan transactions. Maintain open communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates on pipeline status and key initiatives.
• Performance Reporting & Analysis: Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, providing regular reports to management on pipeline activity, loan quality, and team performance. Identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Strategic Initiatives: As needed, contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance the residential lending platform, improve efficiency, and drive business growth.

Qualifications, Education, Certifications and/or Other Professional Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in lending operations, underwriting, or credit risk, with a strong focus on complex C&I-related loan transactions
• 2+ years of formal or informal people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and workflow oversight
• Proven ability to manage and optimize lending pipelines, meet service-level agreements, and drive operational efficiency
• Strong working knowledge of banking regulations, credit policy, and compliance requirements applicable to residential and commercial lending
• Experience serving as an escalation point for complex or high-risk transactions, with the ability to make sound, timely decisions
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance metrics, identify trends, and recommend process improvements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across sales, operations, credit, and closing teams
• Proficiency with loan origination systems, credit underwriting tools, and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience underwriting or supporting non-standard, high-net-worth, private banking or specialized lending products
   

Hours & Work Schedule

• Hours per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: M-F
• Work Structure: In office 4 days per week/1 day WFH
   

Pay Transparency 

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$150,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .