Director of Loan Review

We are seeking a dynamic and seasoned leader to formally establish the Bank's internal Loan Review department as part of the second line of defense Risk Management function under the purview of the Chief Risk Officer. As a direct report of the Chief Risk Officer, the Director of Loan Review will assume a key role in developing, implementing and maturing the Loan Review function in alignment with the Bank's strategic objectives, size and complexity, credit risk appetite, and regulatory expectations. This role is responsible for ensuring that Loan Review operates independently from Credit Administration and Lending, with appropriate reporting to senior management and the Board. This will include developing appropriate Loan Review Policies, Risk Assessments and Reporting while leveraging analytical tools and techniques to facilitate the effectiveness of the function. The Director will oversee risk-based and adequate coverage of the loan portfolio, and assessing loan rating accuracy, quality of loan underwriting, adherence to policy and monitoring requirements. The individual will define the vision and direction needed to manage Loan Review in alignment with sustainable growth within the credit portfolio and in support of its credit risk profile. The role will require strong governance, oversight, regulatory engagement, collaboration with key stakeholders, integrative thinking, and leadership to build a sustainable, high-performing Loan Review team. This individual will be experienced in working cross-functionally across business lines and with Internal Audit and external parties supporting Loan Review activities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Establish, lead, and maintain the independent and objective Loan Review function ensuring the oversight of risk rating accuracy, assessing credit quality and underwriting in adherence to Loan Policy and regulatory expectations.
• Manage the development, implementation, and execution of a risk-based and comprehensive loan review program, including policy, risk assessment, scope and methodology to assess the quality and risk of the loan portfolios.
• Lead, mentor and develop internal loan review talent providing guidance and support for performance and professional growth.
• Manage and oversee any related external outsourcing/vendor relationships which provide assistance to the Loan Review function.
• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day activities of loan reviewers to ensure timely and accurate completion of reviews.
• Conduct in-depth reviews of complex loans and loan portfolios, evaluating adherence to lending policies, the Bank's credit risk appetite and regulatory standards.
• Reviews loan review reports on all area commercial loan officer's portfolios and discuss loan grades that are different from those assigned by the loan officer, documentation and/or financial statement deficiencies discovered, and any potential concerns with portfolio management, concentrations and/or annual reviews.
• Prepare and present regular Loan Review reports to senior management, the Chief Risk Officer, and the Board Risk Committee, highlighting key findings, risk assessments, emerging risks, portfolio concentrations, and recommended actions.
• Maintain accurate and organized records and line sheets of loan review activities (including all workpapers and analysis), ensuring documentation is complete and current.
• Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, industry standards and regulatory requirements, staying updated on changes in regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with credit colleagues and other stakeholders to gather necessary information and provide feedback on loan quality and associated credit risk.
• Communicate effectively with senior management and appropriate committees, providing insights and recommendations to enhance loan portfolio quality and risk management practices.
• Implement best practices and innovative approaches to loan review and credit risk management.
• Interact regularly with regulators on loan review matters.
• Continuously identifying opportunities to improve business performance, effectiveness and efficiency through process improvements and talent management.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to build, lead, inspire and develop an inclusive and diverse team
• Capability and experience with establishing strategic vision and driving change to achieve business targets
• Effective communication and presentation skills, including senior executive interactions - can present credibly to both large and small groups
• Takes personal responsibility to lead by example. Understands and appreciates diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates strong ethics and understanding of sound credit risk principles.
• Develops strong relationships across risk management and cross-functionally with business lines, audit and regulators
• Articulate and highly effective communicator, with an energetic and approachable style
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in credit analysis and the use of any related software
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree, MBA/MS preferred; Education includes demonstrated knowledge in an analytic field
• 10-15+ years of relevant loan review, credit analysis or credit risk management or a related field within the financial services industry
• Strong understanding of credit risks associated with more complex C&I lending (including industry specializations), CRE as well as other lending types including construction lending, consumer and small business lending
• 5-7+ years of people management experience, including experience as a manager
• Demonstrated experience in leading change, with track record of identifying and implementing opportunities to improve business operations and performance
• Extensive knowledge of lending practices, credit risk assessment and regulatory requirements
• Strong knowledge of the applicable credit laws and regulations and the current environment

Our goal is to offer our colleagues the most generous benefits package possible. We strive to provide colleagues with a comprehensive benefits package and an environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. Colleagues who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to participate in our health insurance program. Other benefits include: Competitive compensation with performance incentive awards, Dental Insurance, a 401K and DC Plan for your retirement, Life Insurance, Vacation Time, Day Care Reimbursement, Tuition Assistance for graduate and undergraduate programs, an award winning Wellness program and much more!

At Rockland Trust you'll find a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is given the chance to succeed. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.