SVP – Senior Commercial Lender

SVP, Senior Commercial Lender

Location: Phoenix, AZ (In-Office)

Job Type: Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $149,400 - $224,100/YR *Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later 10/23/2025.

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Who We’re Looking For

You’re a strategic leader who drives production across loans, deposits, and assets under management while setting referral goals that align with office-wide targets. Business development and proactive calling activity are part of your rhythm, and you lead with clarity and consistency.

Team development is a strength—you delegate by client segment, coach with purpose, and create a culture of accountability and retention. You manage the pipeline with discipline, ensure CRM accuracy, and oversee opportunities through underwriting, approval, and onboarding.

Cross-functional collaboration is second nature. You work closely with internal partners in wealth planning, trust, investments, and deposit services to deliver holistic client solutions, while maintaining strong regulatory and credit compliance.

If you bring structure, insight, and a client-first mindset to your leadership—this role is for you.

About the Role

As the SVP, Senior Commercial Lender you’ll lead the Lending team and oversee the overall revenue performance of your Profit Center (PC). This includes driving net interest income through loan and deposit growth, focused business development, and consistent sales activity.

Success in this role requires clear direction, active coaching, and accountability. You’ll guide your team to execute on production goals, manage a high-performing loan portfolio, and identify opportunities to grow client relationships across loans, deposits, and investment assets.

Thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment is essential. A self-starter mindset, comfort with change, and the ability to manage shifting priorities will set you apart.

If you lead with clarity, drive outcomes, and know how to build strong client and team relationships—this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead production efforts across loans, deposits, and assets under management, setting referral goals in alignment with annual office targets.
• Drive new client acquisition and expand existing relationships through daily calling activity, retention outreach, prospecting, and joint coaching calls.
• Manage the Commercial Lending team capacity and performance by segment, delegating effectively and using sales and service metrics to inform workload.
• Oversee associate onboarding, recruitment, coaching, career pathing, and retention to build a high-performing, growth-focused team.
• Ensure pipeline discipline, accurate forecasting, and CRM best practices while guiding opportunities from application through approval and onboarding—including reviewing and releasing underwriting and credit analysis.
• Maintain oversight of portfolio administration and compliance, including pricing guidance, relationship reviews, loan tracking, covenant monitoring, collateral exceptions, and documentation standards.
• Expand client relationships by introducing new product strategies and reducing attrition, while partnering with internal experts in wealth planning, investment management, trust, and depository services to build comprehensive financial solutions.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related experience
  
  
• 10–15 years of business development or client development experience
  
  
• 5–7 years of commercial lending and/or underwriting experience
  
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with exceptional Excel skills
  
  
• Familiarity with banking and credit software
  
  
• Experience with CRM systems
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
  
  
• High initiative, follow-through, and ability to work independently and with a team
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
  
  
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals
  
  
• NMLS registration upon hire
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary: $149,400 – $224,100, plus strong bonus potential.
  
  
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
  
  
• Paid parking and transportation benefits.
  
  
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:
  
  
  • Health savings accounts (HSA)
    
    
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
    
    
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    
    
• Generous paid time off and bank holidays.
  
  
• Access to training and professional development programs.
  
  
• Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.
  
  
• A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.

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Who We Are

At First Western Trust, we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other’s successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what’s right—always.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email [email protected]. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

For accommodation requests, please contact [email protected].