Construction Loan Manager - Franchise Finance

This role plays a critical, high-impact part in fueling the growth of franchise businesses across our markets. You will own and lead the full construction lifecycle for loans in our Franchise Finance portfolio—from initial document review and contractor vetting through project monitoring, draw processing, and final disbursement. Acting as the central point of coordination between borrowers, contractors, third-party vendors, and internal teams, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with company policy and SBA requirements. This is a visible role where your construction expertise and financial acumen directly support entrepreneurs and help bring their franchise locations to life.

This position may have the opportunity for remote or hybrid work, with a preference for candidates living within the company's operational footprint (Greater Dallas, TX or Greater Chicago, IL).

Responsibilities

• Review all construction-related documents in a Borrower’s loan request including but not limited to construction contracts and construction plans and specs.
• Review Borrower’s requested General Contractors to ensure they have acceptable experience and financial wherewithal to complete the construction project.
• Work with third-party construction management vendors to manage construction project’s progress to ensure projects are staying within budget.
• Process construction loan draws per Loan Policy and SBA (if applicable) regulations.
• Prepare and process loan disbursements and maintain disbursement history, including associated invoices, in accordance with the appropriate authorization.
• Assist with imaging of the loan closing documents and reviews for accuracy and completeness of required information.
• Organize the loan file to ensure efficiency of loan to progress.
• Partner and assist the servicing specialists’ team as well as other team members to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of information.
• Cooperate with, participate in, and support the adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and practices in support of risk management and overall safety and soundness and the bank’s compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to policy & procedure of Franchise Finance group and must comply with BSA/AML/OFAC regulations and guidelines.
• Assist with various administrative tasks to support department operations, as directed; may also be assigned special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as required based on business needs or upon management’s discretion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of construction management experience preferred, ideally with commercial or franchise projects.
• SBA lending experience required, with a solid understanding of SBA construction and disbursement guidelines.
• Highly motivated self-starter who takes initiative.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret documents if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 15 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision programs
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Company-provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Career growth opportunities – tuition reimbursement.
• Energetic and collaborative work environment.

Gulf Coast Franchise Finance, a division of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, will not provide assistance or sign documentation to support immigration sponsorship or benefits, including but not limited to Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).