Head Of Commercial Credit Management

The main responsibility of this role will be to establish and lead the 1st line of defense Credit Management function inside of the Commercial Bank. This will include formulating and executing credit risk strategies while ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and hiring and developing the Credit Team Members inside the Commercial Bank. The Head of CCM will be the senior most Credit Management position in the Commercial Bank and will work with the Head of the Commercial Bank and other Business Line heads to build out underwriting and portfolio management functions with their respective verticals. Coordinate with the 2nd line and 1st line partners to ensure policies and procedures enable the business to grow at the appropriate risk appetite level. The Head of CCM also will build and lead a world class loan origination and portfolio management process, identifying the key elements of the process that can be automated using technology or offshoring, and will lead to a sub 50% Commercial Bank efficiency ratio. This role will also act as the top liaison in Commercial Lending to interface with Bank Regulators to ensure Commercial's safety and soundness. They will also lead a diverse group of underwriters and portfolio managers with an intent to develop talent and promote from within the organization.
Essential Functions
• Design and implement comprehensive credit risk management policies, procedures, and frameworks to maintain a balanced and diversified credit portfolio, while aligning with the bank's overall risk appetite
• Attract and recruit top Credit Risk and Management talent to the bank
• Lead and nurture credit teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes professional development and encourages innovation in risk assessment and credit decision-making. Ensure staff has clear objectives
• Provide regular performance feedback and provides leadership, direction, advice and guidance to the team maintaining high levels of integrity, motivation and morale
• Credit Analysis and Approval: You will oversee the credit application process, evaluating the creditworthiness of potential borrowers, and ensuring compliance with the bank's credit policies and regulatory requirements
• Hire and lead team to monitor and analyze the performance of the credit portfolio, proactively identifying potential risks and opportunities. Additionally, you will lead the preparation and submission of regulatory reports related to credit risk, maintaining a high standard of accuracy and transparency
• Ensure Credit Management team prepares and recommends high quality credit submissions as required and oversees and monitors performance of Borrowers to ensure compliance
• Ensure credit develops and reviews all appropriate tools to ensure risk ratings are accurate and reflects all relevant material information
• Ensure the Credit Management team demonstrates proper governance, control and risk management behaviors in alignment with the Bank’s policies and practices
• Continuously stay up-to-date with industry trends, market dynamics, and evolving regulatory requirements that may impact the bank's credit risk profile. Implement changes in response to such developments, ensuring that the bank remains at the forefront of credit risk management practices
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and to build constructive relationships with regulatory agencies. Work with 2nd and 3rd line partners to close out any credit related audit or review findings
• Play a key role in the bank's strategic planning process by providing valuable insights and recommendations on credit risk management, contributing to the bank's long-term growth and stability
Additional Essential Functions
• Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Work as part of a team
• Work with on-site equipment
Safety and Health for Supervisors with Direct Reports
• Provide leadership and positive direction for maintaining the safety and loss prevention program
• Actively participate in and support employee participation in the safety and loss prevention program by ensuring that employees know how to properly report a safety issue, making sure that all accidents are promptly reported to Human Resources and documented, and ensuring that prompt action is taken whenever workplace hazards are identified
• Help implement emergency procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Finance, Economics, Business, or related field And
Master's Degree MBA or relevant degree
Work Experience
More than 15 years Progressive experience in Credit Management within a commercial banking environment And
8 - 12 years Leadership experience 
General Supervisory/Manager Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to identify existing and potential problems, obtain and evaluate relevant information, identify possible causes of the problems, and suggest an alternative course of action including innovative or creative approaches 
• Ability to allocate and effectively use information, personnel, time, and other resources necessary for implementation of Northwest’s strategic plans 
• Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action on tasks within the scope of given authority in a timely fashion 
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and implement alternative courses of action, based on correct assumptions concerning resources and guidelines, and support decisions or recommendations with data or reasoning 
• Ability to present and express ideas and information effectively and concisely in an oral and/or written mode in a manner appropriate for the audience 
• Ability to listen and comprehend what others are saying and facilitate the open exchange of ideas and information 
• Ability to motivate and provide direction in the activities of others, appropriately assigning work and authority, in the accomplishment of goals; providing advice and assistance as required 
• Ability to understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies; maintain credibility with others on specialty matters 
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Credit Risk Expertise: Strong knowledge of credit risk assessment methodologies, expected loss, probability of default, loss given default, credit analysis, credit portfolio management, and regulatory guidelines. Experience with Credit Risk vendor management a plus. 
Team Leadership: Proven track record of successfully building and leading high-performing credit teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. 
Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies. 
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced banking environment, effectively managing competing priorities while ensuring compliance with regulations.