Asset Based Lending Director

The Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Director is responsible for leading and managing the bank's ABL division, ensuring a strong credit portfolio, risk-adjusted returns, and high-quality client relationships. This role involves overseeing risk management, underwriting, portfolio management, and business development strategies to support the bank's growth objectives while maintaining strong asset quality. The ABL Director will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to structure, approve, and monitor ABL transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximizing portfolio performance. Additionally, the ABL Director will manage and mentor the ABL team, ensuring alignment with the bank's strategic goals and fostering a high-performance culture.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

ABL Team Leadership & Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing ABL team, fostering professional growth and ensuring team alignment with organizational goals.
• Set performance expectations, monitor team progress, and provide regular coaching and feedback.
• Oversee resource allocation and workflow management to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in transaction execution.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the ABL team.

ABL Portfolio & Credit Risk Management

• Oversee the overall credit performance, risk-adjusted return, and asset quality of the ABL portfolio.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with ABL transactions, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise portfolio management functions, ensuring proactive monitoring of client financial health and early identification of potential credit issues.
• Ensure adherence to credit risk policies, structuring sound transactions that mitigate risk while meeting client needs.

Underwriting & Due Diligence

• Lead due diligence efforts for ABL transactions, including financial analysis, collateral evaluation, and risk assessment.
• Oversee the structuring and preparation of credit packages for review and approval by credit committees.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure thorough underwriting, covenant structuring, and loan documentation.
• Ensure loan structuring aligns with industry best practices and the bank's risk appetite.

Business Development & Client Relationship Management

• Engage directly with clients, fostering strong relationships and identifying opportunities to expand banking relationships.
• Collaborate with relationship managers and commercial lending teams to develop tailored ABL solutions for clients.
• Lead negotiations and deal structuring to ensure favorable outcomes for both the bank and its clients.
• Serve as a key liaison between the bank and external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, and legal advisors.

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement ABL growth strategies, ensuring alignment with the bank's broader commercial lending objectives.
• Monitor market trends and competitive landscape to identify new business opportunities and product enhancements.
• Represent the bank at industry events, building strategic relationships to drive ABL business development.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the ABL team, enhancing processes and operational efficiency.

• 10+ years of experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, or portfolio management.
• 5-7 years of direct experience in ABL or special assets within the commercial & industrial (C&I) sector.
• Proven track record of managing ABL transactions, risk assessment, and structuring complex credit facilities.
• Experience in leading and managing a team, driving performance, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Deep knowledge of financial accounting, loan structuring, and risk analysis.
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to make independent credit decisions while maintaining a strategic approach to risk management.
  
• High level of analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities to drive business results.
  

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Completion of formal credit training is required.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CTP, or CPA are a plus.