The Business & Ag Banker is responsible for building customer relationships and advocacy through proactive business development, management, and analysis of a loan and deposit portfolio. This role focuses on generating new loan and deposit volume, including the solicitation and profiling of prospective clients and maintaining accurate sales/pipeline data. The Business & Ag Banker has a baseline knowledge of credit underwriting and collaborates with the credit team to present and analyze client data.

Customer Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients seeking credit and lending services.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients to understand their financial needs and objectives.
• Provide personalized financial advice and solutions based on clients’ creditworthiness and financial goals.

Credit Analysis

• Assess loan applications and creditworthiness of clients to determine eligibility for various credit products.
• Analyze financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant documents to evaluate risk and recommend suitable credit solutions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal credit policies during the evaluation process.

Business Banking

• Recommend appropriate products such as personal loans, mortgages, lines of credit, and business loans to clients based on their financial profiles and needs.
• Explain the terms, conditions, and risks associated with various credit products to clients to help them make informed decisions.
• Work with clients to structure loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules that align with their financial capacity and objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to customize solutions for complex or specialized lending requirements.

Sales & Business Development

• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow the bank’s portfolio through proactive business development efforts.
• Actively cross-sell other financial products and services offered by the bank to enhance customer relationships and loyalty.

Documentation, Compliance, and Other Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and complete documentation for loan applications and maintain proper records in compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, changes in lending regulations, and best practices to ensure the bank’s credit processes are aligned with current standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• Experience in agricultural lending or commercial lending preferred, or roles that work with agribusiness or commercial clients.
• Baseline knowledge of credit underwriting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain client relationships.
• Familiarity with banking regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Cultural Alignment

Choice is #PeopleFirst, banking second.

People don’t need just another bank. People need to be supported by a team of trusted partners who will get to know them and their business, understand their challenges, discover their dreams, and recognize the success in bringing people and banking together in our communities.

In contributing to our culture, Choice team members are guided by our core values.

• Embrace change and encourage innovation.
• Know when to ask for help and know when to offer help.
• Better the places we live.
• Work hard. Do the right thing. Have a little fun.

Our vision of Diversity at Choice is supported by our #PeopleFirst mission and our core values.

Being #PeopleFirst means that Choice is committed to focusing attention and resources towards creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued and can do their best work. Doing the right thing means encouraging employees to share their experiences and ideas, and to bring their whole authentic selves to work. Together, we can build an inclusive culture that seeks out, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We can use our diversity to fuel creativity and innovation and bring us closer to our customers and the communities we serve. Be welcome at Choice. We can see you here.