Commercial Relationship Manager – Destination & Tourism-Based CRE Lending

Location: Sevier County (primary), with activity in Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, and select out-of-state tourism markets

About the Bank

We are a destination-focused commercial bank serving one of the most active tourism regions in the country. With more than 13 million annual visitors, our markets are built around hospitality, attractions, food & beverage, and retail. Our lending model is collateral-driven, CRE-based, and centered around income-producing properties—not AR or traditional C&I lines.

We routinely support:

• Short-term rental portfolios

• Hotels and motels

• Restaurants

• Amusements & attractions

• Tourism-driven retail

• Equipment financing tied to CRE projects (e.g., outfitting hospitality venues)

We operate primarily in Sevier County, with expanding reach into Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities area, and select tourism-driven markets outside Tennessee.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a high-capability Commercial Relationship Manager to step into a high-visibility role supporting and growing an established, active book of business. Recent staffing transitions have created a rare opportunity: one of our top producers—historically originating $60MM annually and managing a $380MM portfolio—has exited, leaving strong production volume and large-scale CRE relationships ready for the right person to take over.

This role is ideal for a lender who understands destination-driven CRE, can manage large and complex deals, and wants a high-earning environment with meaningful origination incentives.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and grow a portfolio of CRE relationships across tourism-centric asset classes

• Source, structure, and close large-scale commercial loans (commonly $10MM–$40MM+)

• Develop new business within hospitality, attractions, and destination retail markets

• Underwrite and present collateral-secured deals in partnership with credit teams

• Build long-term relationships with owners, developers, and operators in tourism-heavy markets

• Support equipment financing tied to CRE projects (e.g., restaurant FF&E)

• Continue serving out-of-state borrowers with existing ties to the bank (Branson, Myrtle Beach, Florida)

• Maintain strong portfolio oversight and ensure credit quality

Note: We are currently reducing lodging exposure in Knoxville and are not pursuing Nashville.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience originating and managing commercial real estate loans

• Familiarity with hospitality, tourism assets, and destination-based lending preferred

• Ability to handle large, complex CRE deals and maintain a smaller but high-volume customer base

• Strong credit knowledge and collateral-driven deal structuring skills

• Relationship-focused approach with the ability to generate new business

• High producer mentality — this role rewards lenders who can bring in deals

Compensation & Benefits

Highly competitive package, including:

• Origination incentive:

  • Deals commonly carry a 1% fee

  • You receive 0.25% of the origination fee, paid at loan submission

  • High producers can earn significant additional income

• 401(k): 6% match

• Healthcare: Free individual coverage (family coverage available at additional cost)

• Salary based on experience, with rapid upward movement for strong performers