Construction Loan Manager - Franchise Finance

Summary

The Construction Loan Manager – Franchise Finance plays a critical, high-impact role in fueling the growth of franchise businesses across our markets. You will own and lead the full construction lifecycle for loans in our Franchise Finance portfolio—from initial document review and contractor vetting through project monitoring, draw processing, and final disbursement. Acting as the central point of coordination between borrowers, contractors, third-party vendors, and internal teams, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with company policy and SBA requirements. This is a visible role where your construction expertise and financial acumen directly support entrepreneurs and help bring their franchise locations to life.

Location: This position may have the opportunity for remote or hybrid work, with a preference for candidates living within the company's operational footprint (Greater Dallas, TX or Greater Chicago, IL). "Remote or hybrid" means you can work completely from home or split time with a local office, respectively, and where available.  

Benefits: What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes the following (based on eligibility and requirements):

                 Employee Stock Ownership Program, 

                 Retirement Savings Plan,

                 Medical, Dental, & Vision programs, 

                 Health Savings Accounts,

                 Paid time off, and

                 Company provided short and long-term disability insurance. 

• Career Growth opportunities - tuition reimbursement. 
• Energetic and collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Review all construction related documents in a Borrower’s loan request including but not limited to construction contracts and construction plans and specs.
• Reviews Borrower’s requested General Contractors to ensure they have acceptable experience and financial wherewithal to complete the construction project.
• Works with third party construction management vendors to manage construction project’s progress to ensure projects are staying within budget.
• Processes construction loan draws per Loan Policy and SBA (if applicable) regulations.  
• Prepare and process loan disbursements and maintain disbursement history, including associated invoices, in accordance with the appropriate authorization.
• Assist with imaging of the loan closing documents and reviews for accuracy and completeness of required information. 
• Organizes the loan file to ensure efficiency of loan to progress.
• Partners and assists the servicing specialists’ team as well as other team members to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of information.
• Cooperates with, participates in, and supports the adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and practices in support of risk management and overall safety and soundness and the bank’s compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Adheres to policy & procedure of Franchise Finance group and must comply with BSA/AML/OFAC regulations and guidelines.
• Assists with various administrative tasks to support department operations, as directed; may also be assigned special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as required based on business needs or upon management’s discretion. 

Skills/Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree, in a business-related discipline, preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of construction management experience preferred, ideally with commercial or franchise projects.
• SBA lending experience required, with a solid understanding of SBA construction and disbursement guidelines.
• Be a highly motivated self-starter who takes initiative.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
• Please note: Gulf Coast Franchise Finance, a division of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and its family of financial services, will not provide assistance or sign documentation to support immigration sponsorship or benefits, including but not limited to Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions. 
• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 15 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division any “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role and may be amended or changed at any time at the company’s discretion.

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and its subsidiaries is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe in attracting, retaining, and promoting quality talent and recognize that our diversity is critical to the success of the company.