Small Business Credit Manager

Essential Functions

• Participate in developing Northwest strategic initiatives and objectives
• Work closely with Small Business Executive Director to align end to end lending process and communication strategy
• Determine customer expectations and develop methods to improve customer service
• Oversee and approve career development and key appointments
• Develop service and delivery enhancements, manage SLA's
• Achieve/demonstrate greater department efficiencies
• Remain cognizant of prevailing economic conditions and markets
• Manage partnership with other Business lines to ensure a cohesive business development team
• Provide for enhanced customer service
• Ensure growth in revenue producing products and services
• Plan and oversee expansion of Small Business Lending Department
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and develop technological advancements
• Significant strength in Scoring and OCR technology preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related subject preferred
• 8 - 12 years Commercial Lending/Banking experience preferred
• 8 - 12 years Management experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory/compliance issues

Travel Requirements

• As Needed
• Underwriting team is based in PA, therefore any candidate outside of that geography will be required to travel to Warren, PA on a regular basis.

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is generally $115,000-$145,000 per year. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and knowledge.

Additional Bonus Earning Opportunities and Benefits

Additional bonus earning opportunities and benefits are also available.

About the Role

The Small Business Credit Manager leads and oversees a centralized small business lending platform supporting originations through the financial center banking system and Small Business Bankers. This role is accountable for driving high-quality, consistent production outcomes through clearly defined performance metrics, service-level standards, and disciplined execution across the end-to-end loan lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Drive high-quality, consistent production outcomes through clearly defined performance metrics, service-level standards, and disciplined execution across the end-to-end loan lifecycle
• Establish, monitor, and continuously improve measurable production, quality, and cycle-time metrics, ensuring loans are originated efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with risk appetite and profitability objectives
• Develop and maintain a straight-through, scalable loan origination process that balances speed, quality, and control
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements, including internal policies, procedures, and operational risk management controls
• Ensure strong compliance governance, audit readiness, and consistent application of credit policy, while proactively identifying and addressing emerging regulatory, operational, and portfolio risks
• Lead and supervise all small business underwriters, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, skill development, and performance management aligned to quality, accuracy, and productivity expectations
• Maintain a proactive portfolio management mindset, monitoring credit quality, concentration risks, and performance trends to support sustainable growth and early risk identification
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders, including Retail Banking, Loan Operations, and Small Business Loan teams, to ensure alignment, transparency, and continuous improvement across the small business lending ecosystem

Requirements

• Significant strength in Scoring and OCR technology preferred
• Maintain comprehensive process to evaluate the creditworthiness of loan applications
• Cultivate relationships with outside business partners
• Develop specific measurable departmental goals and targets
• Assure underwriting administration is sufficient to properly mitigate credit risk
• Develop relevant statistics and related reports
• Understand and engage in Business lending related public relations/community involvement programs
• Ensure ongoing administration of all Small Business loans in accordance with industry standards and bank policy
• Oversee appropriate staffing levels within Small Business Lending
• Engage in regular policy review and recommend updates accordingly
• Continually improve lending practices / procedures
• Maintain ongoing monitoring / improvement of measured risk based credit decisions
• Evaluate and interpret lending / related economic trends
• Oversee small business loan delinquency to minimize loss exposure
• Oversee the administration of all Small Business loans
• Coordinate the risk rating of all small business loans with Credit Administration
• Partner with internal stakeholders to recommend lending authority for all small business Underwriters to the Credit Committee
• Participate in Senior Loan Committee as necessary
• Ensure small business loan interest rates are appropriately assigned
• Improve quality control systems and standards
• Recommend / develop fee-generating alternatives
• Identify and resolve compliance issues
• Communicate guidance within business unit staff and management
• Identify risks and implement controls to minimize risk
• Communicate identified risks to Chief Compliance Officer
• Serve as a liaison between the business unit and the Chief Compliance Officer
• Supervise reviews and monitor programs for compliance
• Attend and participate in Management Compliance Committee Meetings
• Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and software specific to the department

Benefits

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.