VP-Commercial Credit & Operations

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Financial Freedom Happens Here - and it starts with YOU.

At FAIRWINDS Credit Union, we're more than a workplace; we're a team on a mission. Join the credit union nationally endorsed by The Dave Ramsey Show, where every day is a step toward financial freedom - for our members and for you. As Vice President of Commercial Credit & Operations , you'll play a key leadership role in driving the strategic growth and operational excellence of our business lending function. You'll lead the teams responsible for commercial credit, underwriting, loan servicing, and portfolio risk management, ensuring sound credit practices and a seamless experience for our members.

Your Role in Our Mission:

• Assist in developing and executing a comprehensive Business Lending strategy focused on loan growth, portfolio quality, and effective workout strategies.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the loan administration team, cultivating a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Advise senior management on regulatory, economic, or internal factors that impact lending policies and practices.

• Oversee the full loan administration lifecycle; from origination to servicing, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery.

• Supervise Commercial Loan Credit Underwriting and lead the loan approval process, including coordination of Loan Committees.

• Participate in Loan Committee meetings, clearly communicating credit risks, deal merits, and closing requirements.

• Establish and enforce robust risk management controls aligned with regulatory and internal policies.

• Support relationship expansion by identifying cross-sell opportunities for both personal and business financial solutions.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Business Development, Officer Loan Committee, and Executive Loan Committee to ensure alignment and loan pipeline management.

• Underwrite or originate commercial loans as needed and oversee Special Assets, managing non-performing loans, workouts, and OREO strategies.

• Improve and maintain loan administration systems and workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and support digital transformation initiatives.

• Proactively manage the commercial loan portfolio, ensuring relationship health and portfolio risk mitigation.

• Respond to internal and external audits, examiner inquiries, and vendor requests with accuracy and professionalism.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive procedures and training materials for all areas of commercial loan operations.

• Set performance standards and oversee goal-setting and development for teams including Underwriting, Processing, Servicing, QC, and Special Assets.

• Design and implement training plans for team development and operational excellence.

What Makes You a Great Fit:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field required.

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in commercial credit, lending, or loan operations within a financial institution.

• Proven leadership and team management experience.

• Deep understanding of business lending, credit underwriting, loan servicing, and regulatory compliance.

• Strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset and attention to detail.

• Experience with risk management, policy interpretation, and examiner engagement.

• Technologically savvy, with experience implementing systems and workflows for process improvement and automation.

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

• Knowledge and understanding of BSA/AML compliance, including CTR, PSAR, CIP, and OFAC procedures.

• Completion of all required BSA-related new hire and annual training.

A Culture of Care and Reward: You give your best, and we give back with a comprehensive and meaningful rewards package:

• Enjoy 11 paid holidays and generous paid time off to recharge and reset
• Build your future with a 6% 401(k) match
• Receive a $700 annual contribution to your Health Savings Account
• Access our comprehensive maternity leave program to support growing families
• Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Grow your career through leadership development, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities
• Earn rewards for financial wellness through our Debt Free Club and Dave Ramsey's SmartDollar program
• Thrive in a purpose-driven, people-first culture where your impact matters

This is more than your next job. It's your next step in changing lives; starting with your own.

About FAIRWINDS Credit Union At FAIRWINDS Credit Union, Financial Freedom Happens Here. Headquartered in Orlando, we've proudly served members for more than 70 years. Our mission - Changing members' lives on the journey to Financial Freedom - guides every decision we make, and our vision is simple: Members financially free. Through The FAIRWINDS Way, we foster a culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork. We are also proud to be nationally endorsed by The Dave Ramsey Show as a trusted provider committed to financial wellness! We're honored to be recognized as one of the Forbes 2024 Best-in-State Credit Unions and Orlando Business Journal's Best Places to Work. Join a top workplace where your purpose matters, and your growth is supported every step of the way.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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.