Director of Loan Operations

Job Function: This role is responsible for managing the overall loan operations for consumer, commercial and SBA/USDA lending. This role will manage and over-see the work flow of the loan operations, credit, and special assets departments, provide support, and lead special projects to improve function and efficacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead Loan Operations with responsibility for loan administration, servicing, closing/funding, collateral, operational controls, reporting, and process governance across the commercial (including SBA/USDA) and consumer lending lifecycle.
• Oversee the Credit and Special Asset functions of the bank, ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Partner directly with the CEO, CLO, CFO, Controller, and other executive leaders on operational strategy, risk management, audit matters, policy implementation, process improvement, and organizational accountability.
• Identify systemic operational weaknesses and develop standardized processes designed to reduce workarounds, clarify ownership, strengthen controls, and create greater consistency across departments.
• Elevate operational issues from isolated departmental problems to enterprise-level risk and governance considerations, helping executive leadership distinguish between process failures, ownership gaps, technology limitations, and policy issues.
• Drive development and implementation of standardized loan processes, procedures, controls, and documentation designed to create a scalable operating infrastructure as the bank grows.
• Assess utilization of the bank's various servicing platforms, identifying opportunities to improve system functionality, workflow, training, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and advance a third-party consulting/training strategy to evaluate current-state utilization of core banking technology across Loan Operations, Deposit Operations, and Retail Banking.
• Strengthen team structure, delegation, accountability, and institutional knowledge with an emphasis on building an operation that does not rely on individual employees to maintain critical processes.
• Establish a forward-looking operating philosophy centered on governance, scalability, risk mitigation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of loans as required by SBA (1502 Reporting)
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with all lenders, credit analysts and other Bank employees
• Participate in external training to maintain knowledge of lending activities, compliance, and regulations
• Assist customers and/or branch personnel as needed with questions pertaining to loan information
• Provide effective performance management, including regular feedback, coaching, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Consistently support the Bank and its core values
• Follow all policies and procedures
• Additional duties may be assigned by supervisor Minimum Requirements:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 10+ years relevant experience in loan operations (loan closing, documentation, and post-closing operations)
• 5+ years management experience
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Knowledge of Laser Pro, FDM, Horizon, and Acquire
• Knowledge of consumer and commercial lending, loan and lien documentation, and state and federal compliance and lending regulations
• Knowledge of SBA & USDA lending preferred
• Knowledge of banking regulations and operations
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficient operation of Microsoft Office software, computers, and the ability to navigate software
• Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities and projects, and adapt to changing deadlines
• Ability to work independently while having a strong commitment to team orientation
• Ability to lead and instruct others
• Excellent organizational, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving/decision-making skills
• Detail oriented
• Ability to comprehend new training, and adapt and relay changes in regulations, policies, and procedures Physical Demands: This job operates in a typical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, scanners, calculators, and filing cabinets. This position requires manual dexterity, lifting, opening file cabinets, bending, speaking on the phone, looking at computer screens, and extended periods of sitting.

American Bank is built on a commitment to treating both our customers and employees like family, and we take pride in being a true community bank. As a locally focused institution, we are deeply invested in the communities we serve—supporting local businesses, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth and well-being of our neighbors.

Our decisions are guided by a personal understanding of our customers’ needs and a genuine desire to make a positive, local impact. We value dedication and innovation, fostering an environment where every employee understands their importance and shares in the success of the organization. At American Bank, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career while enjoying a supportive, team-oriented workplace, competitive compensation and benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the communities we call home.

American Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.