Commercial Relationship Manager (SVP/EVP) – C&I / Commercial Lending
Location: Friendswood (South Houston / Clear Lake–League City area)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Lending Officer / Regional President
Level: SVP or EVP (based on experience, book, and leadership scope)
Position Overview
The Commercial Relationship Manager (SVP/EVP) is responsible for business development, relationship management, and portfolio growth, with an emphasis on C&I and operating company relationships. This is a plug-and-play producer role designed for an experienced commercial lender who can step in quickly, bring or transition relationships, build a sustainable pipeline, and deepen full-bank engagement.
This role is ideal for a lender who wants:
- A relationship-driven community bank environment
- A practical, solutions-oriented credit culture
- Autonomy to run a book like a business (measured by outcomes, not time-in-seat)
- A collaborative team culture with long-term growth opportunities
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Production
- Develop and execute a calling strategy to generate new commercial relationships, with a focus on C&I lending, owner-occupied real estate, and operating lines/term debt.
- Build and manage a consistent pipeline; demonstrate movement from prospecting → proposal → approval → funding.
- Structure relationships to support long-term retention, profitability, and risk discipline.
- Partner with Treasury Management to drive adoption of cash management solutions and core deposits.
- Grow operating deposits through relationship-based business development.
Annual production goals are established each year by title. Current guidance:
- EVP: ~$12MM net loan growth and ~$5MM deposit growth
- SVP: ~$10MM net loan growth and ~$4MM deposit growth
(Goals may vary annually based on growth strategy and balance sheet needs.)
Relationship Management & Portfolio Stewardship
- Manage an assigned portfolio with strong attention to credit quality, documentation, and servicing cadence.
- Maintain proactive, ongoing client contact—particularly for C&I borrowers—with regular financial monitoring and issue identification.
- Maintain strong “know your customer” discipline and deep understanding of client operations and industries.
- Coordinate renewals, annual reviews, and covenant monitoring in partnership with Credit.
Credit Partnership & Deal Execution
- Analyze borrower financials and structure deals aligned with credit policy and risk appetite.
- Present credit requests clearly, articulating borrower story, structure, and mitigants.
- Work collaboratively with Credit/Underwriting throughout the approval process.
- Approve loans within individual authority and recommend larger requests to committee.
Leadership & Culture Contribution (SVP/EVP Expectation)
- Model strong relationship management and credit discipline.
- Informally mentor junior lenders and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
- Participate in community and business development activities within the market.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- 7+ years of commercial lending or relationship management experience (community bank environment preferred).
- Proven ability to develop business, manage a pipeline, and grow loans and deposits.
- Strong C&I experience; ability to manage operating relationships (not just transactional lending).
- Sound credit judgment and comfort structuring practical, policy-aligned deals.
- Self-directed, disciplined, and accountable; thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial bank environment.
- Leadership presence and maturity appropriate for an SVP/EVP title.
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred).
- Formal credit training program and/or prior credit analyst experience strongly preferred.
Work Style & Expectations
- High autonomy role measured by results, not hours.
- Initial in-office presence expected during onboarding; flexibility increases with performance.
- Local market travel for client meetings and business development.