Managing Director, Specialty Finance Lending Origination

About the Role

The MD, SFL position will be responsible for independently managing the full range of activities related to Specialty Finance Lending (SFL) from new business origination through transaction close and active account management during the life of the financing facility. The Managing Director will serve as the primary customer contact for each originated transaction, handling prospecting, business development, document negotiation, customer relations, and account maintenance to maximize revenue and fee income. This role also includes mentoring and training junior sales team members and assisting in or leading the syndication of facilities.

The position requires senior-level financial sales experience and business development in traditional lending products, along with significant structured finance experience focused on asset-based lending, structured securitizations, and specialty finance. The qualified candidate will independently handle all aspects of each transaction.

Responsibilities

• Source new SFL facilities from existing channels, including direct marketing, targeted prospects, and partnerships with other specialty finance lenders, while exploring new market channels.
• Manage all aspects of the SFL process: sourcing, structuring, pricing, proposal development and negotiation, due diligence, underwriting, documentation, closing, and ongoing facility management, including remedial management or workout if required.
• Lead the execution of process requirements and mentor junior sales personnel.
• Assist in the syndication of SFL facilities, train existing syndicators, and develop potential syndication partners through industry networking and market research.
• Develop and penetrate new markets by researching opportunities and preparing position papers or white papers on expansion, structure, risks, and competition for evaluation by the SFL team and senior management.
• Deliver presentations to internal and external audiences, including senior management.
• Develop knowledge of Key’s products and services and build relationships with product partners to cross-sell opportunities to SFL clients.
• Grow the portfolio responsibly by meeting targets for asset under management (AUM) growth, facility fees, and syndication fees while maintaining appropriate risk tolerances.
• Maintain and maximize revenue from existing facilities through renewals, additional commitments, and fee opportunities (e.g., transaction, closing, waiver, amendment, syndication).
• Expand industry, product, structure, client, and investor knowledge by attending relevant conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may change with or without notice.
• Comply with all KeyBank policies, including professional conduct, ethical business practices, conflict-of-interest avoidance, and acting in the best interests of clients and Key.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a concentration in business or finance; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of corporate finance, lending, and leasing experience, with a minimum of 5 years focused on structured facilities in the specialty lending market (required).
• 10+ years of senior-level financial sales and business development experience with a proven track record (required).
• Broad capital markets knowledge of lease-related asset-based lending and structured debt placement (required).
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills (required).
• Strong risk assessment, structuring, and remedial management skills (required).
• Strong documentation and negotiation skills (required).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills (required).
• Team player with outstanding interpersonal skills (required).

All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and sustain proficiency in identified Leadership Competencies.

Pay

This position offers a base salary range of $165,000.00 - $345,000.00 annually. Placement within the range may vary based on skills, experience, and geographic location. Compensation also includes eligibility for incentive compensation, such as production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Benefits

This role is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Click here for a list of available benefits.

Schedule

KeyBank has implemented a workspace approach prioritizing in-office presence, with flexible options for roles that can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.