Credit Risk Officer in West Fargo, North Dakota at WESTERN STATE BANK

Western State Bank

At Western State Bank, we’re all about connections. It’s who we are. From our customers to our team members, we make sure everyone has a place to belong and feels valued. At Western, strong credit decisions are the foundation of everything we do. We're looking for a Credit Risk Officer who enjoys digging into data, identifying trends, improving processes, and helping our lending teams make informed decisions that protect the organization while supporting growth.

If you're passionate about credit quality, loan portfolio analysis, mortgage quality control, and continuous improvement and you enjoy collaborating with leaders across the organization—this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

As a Credit Risk Officer, you'll play a key role in maintaining the strength of our loan portfolio by leading credit review activities, preparing meaningful risk reporting, administering loan policy, and overseeing Mortgage Quality Control.

You'll partner with lending, credit, mortgage, compliance, and senior leadership teams to:

• Lead independent credit reviews that strengthen portfolio quality and support sound lending practices.

• Prepare credit risk reports and portfolio analysis for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

• Lead the Mortgage Quality Control program, ensuring compliance with investor and regulatory expectations.

• Identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities to improve reporting, controls, and operational processes.

• Partner with lenders and business leaders to communicate findings, resolve issues, and support policy consistency.

• Recommend practical improvements that make our credit risk processes stronger and more efficient.

• Serve as a trusted resource and mentor to teammates and internal partners.

This isn't just a reporting position.

You'll have the opportunity to influence how Western manages credit risk, improve processes across the organization, and provide insights that directly support strategic business decisions. Your work will be seen by senior leadership and the Board, making this a highly visible role with meaningful impact.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, improving systems, and partnering across departments, you'll thrive here.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in banking, credit administration, lending, loan review, risk management, or mortgage operations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• The ability to interpret lending policies and communicate recommendations clearly

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

• Professional judgment and the ability to manage confidential information

• A collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related field

• 3-5+ years of experience in credit risk, credit review, lending, mortgage quality control, or a related banking discipline

• Experience preparing reports for senior leadership or Boards of Directors

• Community banking experience is a plus

At Western, we're building something special.

Our culture is centered around collaboration, ownership, integrity, and continuous improvement. We believe every team member has the opportunity to make an impact, and we invest in the growth and development of our people.

When you join Western, you'll become part of a team that values:

• Meaningful work that influences business decisions

• Collaboration across departments

• Professional development and career growth

• Innovation and process improvement

• Work-life balance

• Serving our customers and communities with excellence

We offer a competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive base salary

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• 401(k) with company contributions

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Professional development opportunities

• Banking and financial wellness benefits

If you're ready to take the next step in your banking career and help shape the future of credit risk at Western, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join a team committed to making better decisions, building stronger relationships, and creating lasting success together.