Loan Origination Officer
The Loan Origination Officer will identify and assist in structuring new commercial lending opportunities across CRE, C&I, and construction loans within the Nashville MSA. The role combines business development with front-end credit analysis, working closely with underwriting and executive management to deliver tailored credit solutions. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with 35 years in commercial lending or underwriting, formal credit training, with strong market knowledge. Must demonstrate both analytical rigor and customer engagement skills.
Role And Responsibilities
Business Development & Relationship Management
- Proactively source and originate new commercial loan opportunities across CRE, C&I, and construction lending within Nashville and surrounding markets.
- Build and maintain relationships with real estate brokers, mortgage and debt brokers, developers, investors, and other centers of influence to generate new business.
- Represent the bank in community, industry, and civic organizations to strengthen brand visibility and enhance business development efforts.
- Collaborate with senior management and other relationship managers to cross-sell bank products and retain existing client relationships.
Deal Structuring & Preliminary Underwriting
Conduct initial deal screening to determine credit feasibility, borrower suitability, and alignment with bank strategy.Develop preliminary loan structures and pricing recommendations based on borrower strength, collateral, and market comparable.Prepare internal prescreen or opportunity memos for presentation to preliminary loan committee and senior credit officers.Perform market research and data gathering (CoStar, local brokers, comparable transactions) to validate underwriting assumptions and proforma inputs.Financial & Credit Analysis
Build and maintain detailed proforma cash flow models and sensitivity analyses to evaluate deal performance under varying assumptions.Identify and articulate key credit risks and mitigants in support of underwriting and loan committee materials.Review and interpret key third-party reports (appraisals, environmental, engineering, and credit reports) to ensure sound collateral and regulatory compliance.Analyze borrower and guarantor financial statements, tax returns, and projections to assess repayment capacity and creditworthiness.Assign preliminary regulatory risk ratings and assist in ensuring accurate data communication within the origination, underwriting, and credit systems.Transaction Execution & Coordination
Manage active deal pipeline in coordination with credit administration and underwriting teams to ensure efficient processing and timely closings.Draft and coordinate Letters of Intent (LOIs) and term sheets for new opportunities.Assist in developing "Needs Lists" and organize kickoff calls for new transactions to ensure all documentation and due diligence items are addressed early.Participate in borrower and property site visits and assist in loan closings alongside underwriting and documentation teams.Maintain accurate loan data and notes within origination software and CRM systems.Collaboration, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Partner with the underwriting, portfolio management, and loan servicing teams to ensure seamless handoff from origination through closing.Monitor ongoing loan and portfolio performance; escalate any credit concerns promptly to management.Ensure full compliance with all bank policies, regulatory guidelines, and internal credit procedures.Participate in special projects, system improvements, and process enhancements as assigned by management.Demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, and professional integrity in all interactions.Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field.35 years of experience in commercial real estate, C&I, or SBA lending with formal credit or cash flow training preferred.Customer service experience and the ability to monitor a portfolio of accounts.Excellent relationship management and communication skills; proven ability to build credibility with clients and referral partners while maintaining client confidentiality.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with credit and CRM software.Familiarity with CoStar, Moody's, or Bukers a plus; FISERV experience preferred.In office attendance in Nashville (Gulch) is required.Team-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to contribute to a growing institution.