Senior SBA Relationship Manager

 

Position Title	Senior SBA Relationship Manager
Location	New York, NY
POSITION SUMMARY The Senior SBA Relationship Manager is responsible for originating, developing, and managing Small Business Administration (SBA) lending relationships while serving as the Bank's internal subject matter expert for SBA lending programs. This position is responsible for expanding the Bank's SBA lending portfolio through business development, strategic partnerships, and consultative relationship management while ensuring compliance with SBA regulations, Bank policies, and sound credit practices. This role collaborates closely with Commercial Banking, Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Compliance, and Executive Management to deliver high-quality SBA lending solutions that support the Bank's strategic growth objectives. The Senior SBA Relationship Manager provides leadership and guidance on SBA lending best practices, loan structuring, portfolio quality, and regulatory compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities

Business Development & Portfolio Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to grow the Bank's SBA lending portfolio through new business development and relationship management.
• Originate, structure, negotiate, and close SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and other government-guaranteed loan products.
• Develop and maintain a strong referral network consisting of business owners, accountants, attorneys, brokers, and community organizations.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell additional Bank products and services.
• Achieve established production, portfolio growth, and profitability objectives.

SBA Lending Oversight & Compliance

• Serve as the Bank's primary SBA lending resource and provide guidance on SBA eligibility requirements, loan structuring, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure SBA lending activities comply with all applicable SBA regulations, Bank policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Credit Administration to structure sound credit solutions that appropriately balance risk and business opportunity.
• Assist with SBA audits, examinations, guaranty reviews, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Monitor changes to SBA regulations and communicate updates and best practices throughout the organization.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service.
• Manage client relationships throughout the lending process from prospecting through closing and ongoing portfolio management.
• Represent the Bank at community events, industry organizations, and networking functions to promote SBA lending initiatives.
• Develop long-term relationships that generate repeat business and referral opportunities.

Collaboration & Risk Management

• Partner with Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Compliance, Legal, and other business units to facilitate efficient loan approvals and closings.
• Monitor portfolio quality and identify potential credit concerns.
• Recommend strategies to improve operational efficiency and enhance the SBA lending process.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to commercial lenders and internal partners regarding SBA lending products and processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of SBA 7(a), SBA 504, SBA Express, and other government-guaranteed lending programs.
• Thorough understanding of SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), eligibility requirements, documentation, servicing, and liquidation processes.
• Strong commercial credit underwriting and financial analysis skills.
• Proven business development and relationship management abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and complex commercial credit requests.
• Strong understanding of federal banking regulations and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Preferred knowledge of Jack Henry and commercial loan origination platforms.

PIVOTAL EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

The Senior SBA Relationship Manager must possess a demonstrated track record of originating and managing SBA lending relationships while maintaining a strong focus on client service, portfolio quality, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will have experience developing business relationships, structuring complex commercial lending transactions, and serving as a trusted advisor to small business clients.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of commercial lending experience with significant SBA lending expertise.
• Demonstrated success originating SBA loans and developing a profitable commercial loan portfolio.
• Extensive knowledge of SBA 7(a), SBA 504, SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and government-guaranteed lending programs.
• Strong commercial credit analysis, underwriting, and loan structuring experience.
• Proven success developing referral sources and business development strategies.
• Experience working with Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Compliance, and Executive Management.
• Excellent relationship management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to regulatory compliance, risk management, and exceptional client service.