Small Business Underwriting Manager

Based out of our Middleton office, the Small Business Underwriting Manager plays a key leadership role in driving the success of our small business portfolio. This position oversees and mentors a team of Credit Analysts while ensuring high-quality, timely, and well-balanced credit decisions. Partnering closely with the Vice President Commercial/Ag Underwriting Manager, this role has meaningful influence on credit strategy, risk management, and growth within our small business segment. It’s an excellent opportunity for a collaborative underwriting leader who enjoys developing talent and supporting relationship-based banking.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and manage a team of Credit Analysts, providing mentorship, guidance, and training to enhance team performance and career growth.
• Allocate and prioritize underwriting assignments, ensuring efficiency and timeliness in processing applications.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear objectives, and foster a collaborative team environment.

Underwriting & Credit Analysis

• Review and approve small business credit applications within assigned lending authority.
• Complete loan presentations assigned to the Commercial Underwriting team on an as needed basis when workflow exceeds their capacity.
• Analyze financial statements, credit reports, and other data to assess borrower risk and recommend decisions.
• Ensure consistent application of underwriting standards and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Process Management & Improvement

• Monitor and streamline underwriting processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and client experience.
• Complete any required reporting that supports short and long term tracking of departmental metrics, goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop, implement, and update credit policies and procedures.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in credit underwriting.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Relationship Managers, Business, Agriculture and Commercial Lending teams to provide timely and expert credit decision support.
• Serve as a key point of contact for escalated credit decisions and inquiries.
• Communicate credit policy updates, industry trends, and team performance metrics to senior leadership.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job and department, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
• Works as part of a team to accomplish office/dept goals. This includes working additional hours as needed and/or taking on additional responsibilities as needed within other rotations. 
• Assist with various projects as needed and/or perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• Participates in internal/external training as appropriate.
• Participates in community involvement/bank activities as appropriate.
• Perform all other duties as assigned or requested.

Adhere to all Bank Security/Compliance Regulations

• Complete all annual bank security and compliance training.
• Adhere to Bank Security/compliance and policy guidelines. 
• Always maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Stay current on all compliance regulations, required through training and daily education.

•  Associates or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Admin or relevant field and/or 3-5 years previous work experience.
• Previous experience in commercial and/or ag loan underwriting
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise manner
• Adept in ability to learn quickly, apply creativity, understand complex processes and procedures, prioritize workload, set and meet deadlines, and perform well with a minimum of direct supervision
• Ability to maintain accuracy and focus with attention to detail in fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities
• Detail oriented, with ability to manage time and organize competing priorities
• Interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with a broad range of professional and technical staff
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written) in order to communicate and relate effectively with customers and associates
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work on multiple priorities efficiently & accurately
• Demonstrated ability in exercising independent judgment
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to provide ownership over own work in order to get the job done
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and remain calm while working in a fast paced/deadline driven environment
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, proficient typing/keyboarding skills and the ability and willingness to learn new programs and software
• Ability to maintain confidential customer information
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak English clearly
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional, positive manner

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 5 + years Commercial / Agriculture underwriting experience
• Knowledge of Commercial and Agricultural Banking systems and processes
• Knowledge of compliance and banking regulations
• Good understanding of financial products and services  

Lake Ridge Bank values a diverse workforce and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consistent with Lake Ridge Bank's commitment to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities, Lake Ridge Bank provides reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform a job. Some examples of reasonable accommodation include alternate methods to apply, providing documents in an alternate format, altering work procedures, specialized equipment or use of an interpreter. If an individual needs reasonable accommodations to apply or perform a job here at Lake Ridge Bank, please contact Human Resources at (608) 849-2700 or email us.