Operations Manager- Commercial Lending

Position: Commercial Lending Operations Manager
Location: Modesto, CA
Work Model: In Office
Compensation: $85,000–$105,000 base salary
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Benefits: Health insurance, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%

Overview

A credit union is hiring a Commercial Lending Operations Manager to support growth within its commercial lending division. This role owns the full back-office commercial lending function from underwriting through post-closing service and loan servicing.

Underwriting is currently outsourced, with a strategic plan to transition in-house. This role will lead that effort while managing day-to-day commercial lending operations, supervising Commercial Loan Processors, and ensuring commercial loan transactions move accurately and efficiently from post-approval through closing and funding.

The strongest candidate will bring commercial loan processing and/or underwriting experience, strong knowledge of conventional commercial loans and SBA 7(a)/504 programs, and the ability to lead a team while maintaining strong quality control, documentation, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

Manage the commercial loan processing cycle from post-approval through closing and funding
Review loan documentation against approved credit memos or credit presentations
Confirm consistency with approved terms, conditions, collateral requirements, covenants, and committee approvals
Coordinate with loan originators, underwriters, attorneys, title companies, and borrowers to resolve documentation issues and clear closing conditions
Monitor loan pipeline reports and provide regular updates to lending management
Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements
Maintain quality control standards for loan files before booking and disbursement
Oversee UCC filings, lien searches, title reviews, appraisal orders, hazard insurance verification, and third-party requirements
Apply knowledge of conventional commercial underwriting standards and SBA SOP requirements for 7(a) and 504 loans
Assist in structuring SBA loan packages for eligibility and documentation compliance
Review financial statements, tax returns, credit packages, and collateral documentation
Review legal loan documents, including notes, loan agreements, security agreements, mortgages/deeds of trust, guarantees, and SBA authorizations
Identify and escalate discrepancies before execution and disbursement
Work with legal counsel and closing attorneys/agencies to ensure documentation meets legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements
Supervise Commercial Loan Processors, assign workloads, set priorities, and ensure deadlines are met
Train, mentor, and develop team members on processing procedures, documentation standards, SBA requirements, and compliance protocols
Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching
Serve as an escalation point for complex processing issues, documentation exceptions, and urgent closing timelines
Maintain audit-ready loan files and support internal and external examination processes
Identify process gaps or recurring compliance issues and recommend corrective actions
Support post-closing and post-funding needs, including outstanding documentation, loan conditions, and servicing-related follow-up
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Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
5–7 years of commercial loan processing and/or underwriting experience
Experience with conventional commercial loans and SBA-guaranteed loan programs strongly preferred
Prior supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred
Track record of achieving goals, results, and KPIs
Strong understanding of commercial loan underwriting standards, credit analysis, and loan structuring
Working knowledge of SBA SOP for 7(a) and 504 loan programs, including eligibility, documentation, and guarantee requirements
Ability to read, interpret, and critically review legal loan documents for consistency with approved credit terms
Understanding of UCC filings, collateral perfection, title insurance, real property lien instruments, and entity documentation requirements
Proficiency in financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, and credit package review
Knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and lending compliance requirements
Microsoft Office proficiency
Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple loan files and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Leadership and team development ability
Credit union or community bank experience preferred
Ability to work in-office in Modesto, CA

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Client requirements and hiring decisions are set by the hiring company. Please ensure your application details align with your resume and reflect your direct experience. Thank you for your interest!