Head of Loan Operations

Description CORE VALUES: Park State Bank’s Core values are GROWTH, TEAMWORK, RESPONSIVE, TRANSPARENT, And INNOVATIVE. We endeavor to live by these values in all that we do! MISSION: The mission of Park State Bank is to deliver exceptional client service, strategic banking solutions and a community-friendly experience.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides overall leadership and operational oversight for managing all aspects of the loan operations functions including Loan Servicing, Loan System Analysts and Loan Scanning teams. The Head of Loan Operations will provide the vision, strategy, and leadership for those teams. Will spearhead the introduction and updating of loan product and service offerings and guide all loan support functions toward effectiveness and excellence.

The Head of Loan Operations will work closely with the Chief Credit Officer (CCO) in aligning the strategies and initiatives of Loan Operations to the organization’s strategic plans and goals. This individual will provide overall direction, guidance, and support to direct and indirect reports to achieve growth, client service distinction and compliance objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES: Collaborate with lending staff throughout Park State Bank to execute the Bank’s loan growth strategies. Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of new loan products and services that enhance delivery channels and provide strategic banking solutions. Ensure applicable regulatory timeframes and internal service-level expectations are met to maintain compliance and provide timely resolution of operational issues.

Oversee required corrective actions, including fee reversals, interest reimbursements, customer notifications, and timely case resolution, as applicable. Coordinate loan-related audit and regulatory examination requests, ensuring information and documentation are accurate, complete, and provided timely. Oversee follow-up on identified findings, recommendations, and corrective actions and ensure necessary changes are implemented.

Promote a strong understanding of client needs and continually evaluate and improve processes, policies, and procedures to enhance the client experience, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve internal operational efficiency. Oversee the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely, and meaningful loan reports for the Board, management, audits, regulatory examinations, and internal business needs.

Oversee vendor relationships supporting loan products, systems, and service delivery. Recommend and lead product and system implementations, enhancements, and specifications. Establish and maintain effective relationships with Core and other loan technology providers to promote optimal system performance, responsiveness, and resolution of operational concerns.

Evaluate staffing, organizational structure, workflows, and processes as loan volumes and operational needs change to ensure appropriate capacity, effective resource utilization, and operational efficiency. Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, coordinate, and execute loan conversions associated with bank acquisitions, ensuring accurate data migration, process alignment, operational readiness, and a seamless transition.

Provide leadership, oversight, and subject-matter expertise for the Bank’s loan systems and related technologies. Promote effective system utilization, data integrity, appropriate system configuration and controls, and continuous improvement while partnering with Information Technology, lenders, credit, compliance and other stakeholders on system changes and initiatives.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES: Actively involved and engaged in research on industry trends and attends outside functions as needed to stay abreast of local, regional, and national economic, financial, political, and legislative events which could impact policy. Other duties as may be assigned. COMPETENCIES/TRAITS: Core Values Client Orientation Results Orientation Integrity Initiative Team Player ROLE QUALIFICATIONS: Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field and/or 10+ years of experience in financial service operations or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience Five + years of progressively responsible banking, loan operations, or credit services management experience, including experience managing teams and operational functions. Strong knowledge of loan operations, banking systems, data analysis, and reporting, with the ability to use operational and financial information to support business decisions.

Comprehensive understanding of applicable lending regulations, compliance requirements, and operational risk management practices. Demonstrated ability to lead operational and technology initiatives, including system implementations, process improvements, and organizational change. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executive management, Board members, employees, auditors, examiners, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Proven leadership and management abilities, including strategic planning, goal setting, problem solving, organizational management, and analytical decision-making. Strong coaching and employee development orientation, with demonstrated ability to develop teams, build accountability, and support employee growth. Ability to collaborate across lending, credit, compliance, technology, and other business functions to achieve organizational objectives.

Other Skills and Abilities Demonstrated leadership ability to effectively lead, motivate, coach, and develop direct and indirect reports while promoting accountability and collaboration. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and with external business partners.

Strong client-service orientation with a commitment to delivering efficient, accurate, and responsive service to internal and external clients. Ability to maintain the confidentiality and security of client, employee, and Bank information. Highly organized, resourceful, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and competing demands in a changing environment.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to evaluate alternatives, identify appropriate solutions, and implement effective courses of action. Strong attention to detail while maintaining the ability to consider broader operational and strategic objectives. Ability to effectively manage multiple initiatives and resources and translate strategic goals into actionable plans and results.

Strong knowledge of banking and lending operations, including applicable regulatory, compliance, operational risk, and internal control requirements. Extensive knowledge of loan products, services, systems, policies, procedures, and operational processes. Ability to lead and adapt to organizational, operational, and technological change.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across Lending, Credit Administration, Compliance, Information Technology, Finance, and other business areas. PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Meets or exceeds annual goals as pre-established by immediate supervisor Maintains confidentiality of client account information Follows established policies and procedures in responding to inquiries and requests Willingly participates in bank training, including industry and vendor training In compliance with all regulations related to job duties Effectiveness of communications and development of good working relationships with co-workers and clients WORKING CONDITIONS: Will need to be able to handle stressful situations and function in a very fast-paced environment while remaining calm and precise.

Must have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and enjoy working with the public. Will need to communicate in a clear, concise, and pleasant manner. May, on occasion, have to work longer hours than scheduled. Must be able to meet deadlines, multi-task and adjust priorities as necessary. Must possess strong organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with all levels of management and the Bank’s vendors.

Must be a self-starter who challenges existing processes and can identify and implement efficiencies and cost-saving solutions. Will have access to and knowledge of all employees’ accounts, client information, and the bank’s finances, so the ability to keep information confidential is extremely important. The employee will be working in an indoor office setting in a light work situation (exerting up to 20 lbs.

of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects). Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and be able to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment.

Employee frequently communicates with employees, clients and vendors. Will be required to travel to branches within region on a weekly basis, so must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be able to exchange accurate information both orally and written in English. Despite ongoing security training, there is always the possibility of a bank robbery.

WORK LOCATIONS: Please note that we are hiring for only one position, although this opportunity is posted in multiple markets where Park State Bank is located. We are always on the lookout for talented people to help us become the best. Please review the available office locations below. NEMN MARKET: Hibbing, Chisholm, Cook, Grand Rapids, Virginia & Biwabik DULUTH/NORTH SHORE MARKET: Duluth, Hermantown, Two Harbors MINNEAPOLIS MARKET: Minneapolis GENERAL NOTICE: This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field and/or 10+ years of experience in financial service operations or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience Five + years of progressively responsible banking, loan operations, or credit services management experience, including experience managing teams and operational functions.

Strong knowledge of loan operations, banking systems, data analysis, and reporting, with the ability to use operational and financial information to support business decisions.