Senior Credit Officer

About the role

The Senior Credit Officer supports oversight of credit quality and risk management for the bank's loan portfolio by promoting sound underwriting, regulatory compliance, and alignment with strategic objectives. The role monitors loan portfolio performance, conducts credit reviews, facilitates training to strengthen loan management practices, provides leadership and oversight of the collections function, supports the management of problem loans, and assists the Chief Credit Officer with a variety of credit-related initiatives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, recommend, implement, and maintain the bank’s credit risk appetite, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with lending teams to balance growth objectives with prudent risk management.
• Provide portfolio oversight and guidance related to credit administration, underwriting, credit analysis, documentation, covenant tracking, and exception reporting.
• Serve as an approval authority within established credit limits and ensure consistent application of underwriting standards across all lending lines (commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural, small business, and consumer).
• Oversee portfolio risk metrics, including concentrations, stress testing, risk ratings, and criticized/classified assets.
• Serve as liaison with regulators and participate in regulatory examinations and audits.
• Provide guidance and support to the Collections Manager responsible for retail and indirect loans, ensuring the collections team meets established objectives.
• Monitor and support higher-risk loans and overdraft activity, assess associated risks, and take action to mitigate potential losses.
• Review and approve loans for charge-off due to non-payment or other issues, consistent with established processes.
• Assist in the oversight of the collection of overdue payments for all lending lines, in compliance with applicable regulations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to analyze financial data, assess risk, and make informed decisions regarding loan applications, performance monitoring, and post-mortem reviews.
• Deep understanding of credit risk management, loan policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio analytics.
• Effective communicator with the ability to negotiate loan terms, conduct meetings, and provide training, ensuring clear and concise messaging of expectations and outcomes.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, loan products, and market trends to manage loan portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of applicable regulations and compliance requirements to ensure adherence to legal standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, credit, or a related field preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in lending or credit roles, with exposure to commercial, CRE, and agricultural lending, and the capability to mentor, guide, and support lending, credit, or collections teams.
• Proficient in loan processes, financial statement analysis, and commercial/agricultural underwriting.
• Strong understanding of lending and banking regulations, credit administration, loan structures, collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure laws, and legal proceedings.

Competitive Benefits Package

• Full medical benefits when working 20+ hours per week
• Traditional and High Deductible health plan options available
• FREE dental and vision coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off plans
• 401(k) – dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of total compensation
• Special discounts and offers for events at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
• PREMIER Wellness Program
• Paid Community Volunteer Hours – PREMIER averages 30,000 hours per year
• Fun Employee Parties