Chief Lending Officer at Sauk Valley Bank – Sterling, Illinois

The position of Chief Lending Officer is responsible for directing the financial institution’s entire lending program and supervising all phases of the lending operations. The primary focus is upon the maintenance of existing and establishment of new relationships with borrowers that meet the standards established by the board of directors. The CLO is responsible for the maintaining the bank’s loan policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares and maintains loan policy and underwriting guidelines, subject to final approval by the board of directors and communicates such to all personnel involved in the loan origination process.
• Directs, mentors and work’s with the lending staff to maintain and develop relationships with borrowers in the business and ag communities.

• Review all loan presentations prepared for loan committee(s) and assist analysts and lenders in properly structuring credit facilities and presenting them for consideration by officers and directors loan committees.
• Works as a member of the senior management team in establishing and achieving business development and financial performance objectives within the lending area as well as throughout the bank. Assists other areas in achieving their objectives through collaboration and referral of business.
• Stays abreast of regulations and legislation, as well as other political and policy-making events that directly affect the bank
• Assumes primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining the bank’s relationship with participating banks. Oversee and manage the participation of commercial and ag credit as demanded by lending limits, prudent portfolio management and diversification as well as maintenance of liquidity and capital levels determined by management.
• Has responsibility for training of departmental personnel; reviewing and evaluating performance; and recommending salary adjustments, promotions, discharges and other personnel-related actions

SECONDARY DUTIES

The position of Chief Lending Officer performs duties specific to the position and other functions as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The position of Chief Lending Officer is responsible for the supervision of the lending staff.

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior financial position, with extensive lending experience in financial institutions. Extensive background in financial institution policies and procedures related to lending and the regulator environment.

• Advanced experience, knowledge and training in progressively responsible department operations and supervisory activities

• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers and employees.

• Effective organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work with minimal or no supervision while performing duties.

• Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive in the course of performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

The incumbent must be able to perform this position safely, without endangering the health or safety to him/herself or others.

Sauk Valley Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SVB is committed to the provision of equal opportunity employment for all qualified persons in all job classifications in recruitment, selection and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military status, veteran status or any other protected status. Submission of this information is voluntary and is not considered in employment decisions. This information will be kept separate from the employment files and is considered confidential.

Sauk Valley Bank offers medical, short term disability, long term disability, life, vision, dental and 401K benefits to all full time positions. PTO will vary depending on the level of the position. This position is/is not eligible for incentive.

Management reserves the right to change this position description at any time according to business needs.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 annually depending on experience

April 22, 2026