Position Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: On-site (travel as needed)
Location: Wackerly – Midland, MI 48640, USA
Position: Commercial Lending Director I
Employment Status: Grade 15 / Exempt
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Position Overview
Are you passionate about commercial lending and leadership? Do you have a proven ability to drive sustainable portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit risk management, asset quality, and compliance? Members First Credit Union is seeking an experienced leader to join our team as a Commercial Lending Director. This role is pivotal in developing business relationships, building a strong and healthy loan pipeline, and delivering solution-oriented results.
We strive to create an atmosphere of belonging with no judgment, just opportunity. We are interconnected to each other, and when we embrace our true authentic selves, we are stronger. We will empower you to be the best version of yourself while helping you to flourish in work and life. Come join us to help create thriving communities!
The primary purpose of this position is to assist Members First Credit Union to deliver on its mission, vision, and brand promise by living out core values in every service contact.
Essential Duties
- Create a positive, empowering environment through leadership, coaching, and development
- Own the overall success and performance of the Commercial Lending function
- Lead and scale commercial lending aligned with strategic plan and risk appetite
- Drive portfolio growth while maintaining strong asset quality and compliance
- Develop and maintain business relationships to build a strong loan pipeline
- Serve as a visible ambassador in business and community markets
- Ensure exceptional member and team experience
- Maintain understanding of lending, deposit, and treasury management solutions
- Manage third-party vendor relationships
- Monitor rates, pricing, and market conditions
- Identify efficiencies through people, process, and technology improvements
- Ensure policies, procedures, and documentation meet regulatory requirements
- This is an in-office role with travel as needed
- Successfully obtain Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation within first year
Duties and Responsibilities
- Own performance, growth, and risk profile of the commercial loan portfolio
- Oversee underwriting quality, approvals, renewals, and credit monitoring
- Ensure completion of reviews, financial analysis, and risk rating updates
- Monitor portfolio metrics such as DSCR, LTV, and concentrations
- Identify problem loans and lead mitigation strategies
- Provide recommendations to Senior Leadership on operational and credit issues
- Present credit packages and reporting to leadership, committees, and Board
- Develop commercial member base through relationship building and outreach
- Partner with Marketing on commercial growth initiatives
- Ensure cross-selling of products and services
- Resolve escalated member issues professionally
- Coordinate across lending, operations, and vendor partners
- Optimize systems and explore new technology solutions
- Support audits, exams, and regulatory compliance
- Manage departmental budget aligned with strategic goals
- Lead, coach, and develop team members with clear goals and accountability
- Support succession planning and cross-training
- Maintain regulatory knowledge and ongoing education
- Conduct performance reviews and development planning
- Lead onboarding and training of new team members
- Perform additional duties and projects as assigned
Qualifications and Expectations
- Strong knowledge of commercial lending practices and regulations
- Advanced financial analysis skills including DSCR, LTV, and risk rating systems
- Ability to balance growth with disciplined risk management
- Strong leadership and coaching ability
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strategic mindset with ability to assess long-term impacts
- High integrity and commitment to member service
- Maintain knowledge of credit union policies and regulatory requirements
- Apply financial counseling concepts through FiCEP certification
Physical Requirements
- Ability to move or transport up to 25 pounds
- Able to remain stationary for 2–4 hours at a time
Work Environment
- Maintain a neat and orderly work area
- Routinely clean and disinfect work areas
- Protect confidentiality of staff and members
Education and Experience
- Eight to ten years similar or related experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field, or equivalent experience
- Extensive experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, and portfolio management
- Prior leadership experience managing high-performing teams
- Demonstrated success in business development
- Advanced project management proficiency
Qualifications
Education
Required:
- Bachelors or better in Accounting or related field
- Bachelors or better in Business Administration or related field
- Bachelors or better in Finance or related field
Experience
Required:
- Prior leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, and portfolio management
- 8–10 years similar or related experience
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
