Junior Ag/Commercial Lender

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At Midwest Heritage, the core of our culture is taking care of the customer and taking care of each other. Our employees appreciate that their contributions make a direct impact on the success of our business as well as their own personal and professional growth.

Job Title: Junior Lender

Department: Banking

FLSA: Exempt

General Function:

The Junior Lender role is a transitional position designed to prepare individuals for a full Ag/Commercial Lender role. This opportunity allows the individual to continue refining credit analysis skills while gradually assuming responsibility for smaller lending relationships and engaging in business development activities. The position is split approximately 50/50 between credit analysis and relationship development, laying the foundation for future portfolio management and client growth responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Credit Analysis
• Customer Relationship Management
• Attention to detail
• Industry Knowledge

Reporting Relations:

Accountable and Reports to:

EVP, Senior Lender, Senior Credit Officer

Positions that report to you:

None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lending- Meet or exceed loan, fee income, and deposit production goals ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies while managing risk and maximizing profitability.
• Independently prepare and present basic to moderately complex credit write-ups, including credit risk summaries, loan structure recommendations, policy exception identification, and loan rating assessments.
• Build strong community relationships to promote Midwest Heritage through participation in professional and civic organizations.
• Collaborate across Midwest Heritage business lines (e.g., deposit, mortgage, insurance) to provide holistic financial services to new and existing Ag/Commercial clients.
• Partner with Loan Operations to ensure timely and accurate documentation, minimizing technical exceptions as measured by the tickler system.
• Assist in the strategic development and marketing of Ag/Commercial loan programs by monitoring industries, market trends, and economic factors.
• Credit Analysis- Collect and analyze financial data to assess borrower creditworthiness, including review of financial statements, tax returns, cash flows, projections, risk ratings, and collateral.
• Analyze, evaluate and assess financial statements and other related data/information including projections, sensitivity analysis, cash flow, repayment collateral, loan relationships, problem credits, etc. to determine credit worthiness
• Identify credit risks and recommend actions or improvements to mitigate those risks.
• Stay informed on industry trends, local economic factors, and related developments, and provide insights to improve credit decisions and risk management.
• Assist with credit write-ups and maintain accurate documentation in the tickler system.
• Support special projects and initiatives directed by the Senior Lender or Senior Credit Officer.
• Assist in imaging and maintaining the bank’s tickler system

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

• Strong commitment to the Midwest Heritage mission and values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel.
• Strong analytical, underwriting, and decision-making capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of lending principles, regulations, credit analysis, and risk management practices.
• Effective sales and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Awareness of changes in regulatory, legislative, and economic environments that affect lending.
• Adhere to all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Produce high-quality work within deadlines.
• Collaborate effectively across departments and teams.
• Maintain a professional demeanor with colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in agricultural and/or commercial lending or credit analysis.
• Valid driver’s license required; must meet criteria for use of a company vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

• The duties of this position are normally performed in a general office setting. This is a fast paced work environment.
• Visual requirements include: ability to see detail at near range with or without correction.
• Must be able to perform the following physical activities: sitting for long periods, talking (in person and by telephone), hearing and repetitive motions.

Working Conditions:

• The duties of this position are normally performed in a general office setting. This is a fast paced work environment.
• There is frequent pressure to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects in a day.
• 10-15% travel, mainly local and regional.

Equipment Used to Perform Job:

• PC with Microsoft Office Suite
• Telephone, calculator, copier, fax, and printer

Contacts:

• Has frequent contact with Executive Officers, bank staff, and vendors

Other Position Requirements:

Contacts: This position works with Midwest Heritage employees, customers, Hy-Vee employees, vendors and outside agents doing direct business with Midwest Heritage.

Confidentiality: This position has the responsibility to protect the privacy and confidentiality of customers, employees and bank/insurance/financial information at all times. 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Follow all state and federal regulatory requirements and complete assigned training courses within the required timeframes.
• Perform quality work within deadlines.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.