Business Specialist III (Indianapolis)

About the role

As part of the Consumer Bank, the Small Business team is responsible for developing, defining, and executing the strategy that positions First Financial as ‘The’ community bank for small business owners, their families, and employees. You will be responsible for attracting, retaining, and growing core client relationships by fostering a trusted business advisor relationship that leverages all that First Financial has to offer business clients.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Retail Banking leadership and Business Program Manager to execute against consumer bank strategies and objectives to attract, retain, and grow core small business segment relationships, fulfill client’s financial needs, and provide a fIRST Class Client Experience.
• Develop and implement strategies/plans to engage districts and markets, establish behaviors and routines to achieve success in the small business segment, and meet individual production, growth, district, and region goals.
• Manage, deepen, and grow client relationships with a primary focus on business relationships with credit and deposit exposure assigned to the small business segment.
• Initiate and maintain client and prospect contact through timely and relevant contact strategies, including in-person banking center interactions, telemarketing, digital outreach, and participation in activities/events outside normal working hours.
• Establish personal sales plans/strategies for assigned districts and regions to win new core small business relationships, leveraging leads and campaigns anchored with a small business checking account.
• Coordinate new loan origination requests, conduct loan closings, open new Small Business Banking deposit accounts, and take a holistic approach by referring other Bank products and services as needed.
• Support the Business Program Manager and Retail Leadership by consulting with Small Business Bankers and Banking Center teams on complex client situations and identifying new opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison and knowledge resource for financial center teams regarding small business products, services, promotions, and program enhancements.
• Assist the program manager with providing leadership, feedback, and guidance to improve the program and ensure long-term success in the small business segment.
• Participate in bank marketing and sales promotions focused on the small business segment, contributing to initiatives that promote the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Comply with all bank, loan, and regulatory guidelines and policies, maintaining operational excellence with loans and deposits within the portfolio.
• Identify and develop the small business client segment book of business; provide in-market support to foster client relationships and uncover opportunities.
• Function as the client’s personal trusted advisor by adding value and building deep relationships using the First Client Conversation Model.
• Participate and lead in the First Financial Bank Experience by engaging in site center huddles, district and region meetings to support sales and service activities.
• Consistently meet or exceed sales and referral goals by collaborating with lines of business to assist clients in meeting their financial needs.
• Provide coaching and feedback to financial center teams on referral and sales activities, focusing on the small business client segment.
• Hold periodic meetings with district and market leadership, regional presidents, and key stakeholders to align resources and prioritize actions.
• Create strategic partnerships with internal and external partners to establish priorities and identify needs in the small business space within the communities served.
• Leverage community connections to actively market campaigns, promotions, and products applicable to small businesses and their owners/employees.
• Accountable for the performance of the district and region from a small business development perspective through coaching, development planning, and performance management.
• Be knowledgeable and proactive in assisting clients seeking SBA loans, leading the process and partnering with the SBA team to ensure proper servicing and compliance.
• Ensure adherence to all compliance and regulatory procedures, including BSA, Check 21, CIP, CRA, HMDA, Reg B, Reg D, Reg E, Reg CC, Truth in Savings, Privacy Compliance, and the Patriot Act.

Requirements

• 7-10 years of client experience in Retail Banking and/or the financial services industry, with experience working with business owners.
• 7-10 years of sales and service experience with a proven track record of achieving sales and service goals in a retail or business banking role.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in sales preferred.
• Familiarity with consumer, small business, small commercial, SBA, investment real estate, and other small commercial credit solutions.
• Familiarity with treasury solutions and the ability to consult small to medium-sized businesses on their banking, treasury, and credit needs.
• Demonstrated success with consultative, needs-based selling.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational, managerial, and project management abilities.
• Well-developed customer relations skills; ability to influence without authority.
• Strong product knowledge related to consumer and commercial deposits, investments, consumer loans, business loans, and treasury management.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working with senior levels of organizations on strategic planning and execution.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using subject matter expertise to advise clients internally and externally.

Physical Requirements

• Travel as needed for prospecting and attending client meetings.
• Prolonged periods of time required at a computer.
• Standing, seeing, walking, and driving.

Pay

$94,000 - $112,000

Benefits

We offer relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Review our Benefits Guide for details.