Commercial Lender

About the role

Deerwood Bank is a $1.5 billion community bank built on strong relationships, local decisions, and straightforward service. We are looking for an experienced Commercial Lender to grow and manage business banking relationships in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting to know clients, finding practical solutions, and being active in the community.

Responsibilities

• Build lasting relationships: get to know business clients, understand their goals, and connect them with lending and banking solutions that make sense.
• Manage a quality loan portfolio: structure sound credits, work closely with credit analysts, maintain complete documentation, and stay ahead of renewals, past‑due items, risk ratings, and other portfolio needs.
• Grow the market: deepen existing relationships, develop new business, and build connections with accountants, attorneys, business leaders, and other referral partners.
• Keep lending simple and responsive: communicate clearly, follow through, and make it easy for clients and coworkers to do business with you.
• Make sound, local decisions: follow the Bank’s credit policy, underwriting standards, and applicable laws and regulations while using good judgment and practical problem‑solving.
• Show up for the community and the team: be active in local organizations, collaborate across the Bank, and share your experience with developing lenders and credit staff.

Requirements

• Five or more years of commercial lending experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of commercial credit, loan structure, and portfolio management.
• A relationship‑driven approach and a track record of developing business.
• Clear communication, sound judgment, and dependable follow‑through.
• A genuine interest in supporting local businesses and the communities we serve.
• SBA lending experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical insurance, including virtual telemedicine and mental health counseling
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health, limited‑purpose health, and dependent care)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance (basic and voluntary)
• Short‑term disability insurance
• Long‑term disability insurance
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• PTO and Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match (eligible on the first of the month following two months of employment)
• Financial wellness education
• Free or reduced fees for banking products and services
• Employee Referral Bonus

Pay

Starting pay range: $80,000‑$130,000 annually, plus metric‑based incentive.

Schedule

Standard work hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with additional hours for customer or business needs.