Job Summary: Commercial Loan Officer – SBA Specialist | Fort Myers, FLA well-established community bank is seeking an experienced Commercial Loan Officer with strong SBA lending experience. The role will focus on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans while also handling conventional C&I and CRE lending. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of commercial lending experience, strong credit underwriting skills, and a proven business development track record. An established network within the Southwest Florida market is highly preferred. Competitive base salary plus performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist

Location: Fort Myers, FL
Work Arrangement: In Person
Salary: Competitive Base Pay + performance-based bonus

Position Summary

A well-established community bank is seeking an experienced Commercial Loan Officer - SBA Specialist to originate, structure, underwrite, and manage a portfolio of commercial and SBA-backed loans.

This role will focus heavily on SBA 7(a) and 504 lending, while also supporting conventional commercial lending, including C&I and CRE transactions. The position combines strong business development and relationship management with credit analysis, portfolio management, and loan structuring.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in commercial lending, hands-on SBA experience, strong financial analysis skills, and an established network within the Southwest Florida business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new commercial lending opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals, community involvement, and relationship building.

• Originate SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for working capital, equipment, real estate, business acquisitions, startups, and other eligible purposes.

• Originate conventional C&I, CRE, and other commercial loans as appropriate.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, professionals, CPAs, attorneys, brokers, and other referral partners.

• Generate new loan volume, deposits, and fee income while meeting established production goals.

• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, cash flow projections, collateral, and other borrower information.

• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness and repayment capacity.

• Structure loans involving appropriate amounts, rates, collateral, guarantees, covenants, and other terms.

• Ensure SBA transactions meet applicable eligibility requirements, guaranty standards, fees, and SBA SOP requirements.

• Prepare detailed credit memoranda and present loan requests to senior management and/or Loan Committee.

• Negotiate loan terms and documentation with borrowers and their advisors.

• Manage an assigned commercial and SBA loan portfolio and monitor borrower performance.

• Conduct annual reviews, covenant monitoring, risk-rating updates, and other portfolio management activities.

• Identify potential credit issues and take proactive steps to address them.

• Partner with loan administration, underwriting, credit, legal, compliance, and closing teams to ensure accurate and timely loan processing and funding.

• Assist with workout activities and management of problem loans when required.

• Maintain compliance with applicable banking regulations, including BSA/AML, Reg B, fair lending requirements, internal credit policies, and SBA guidelines.

• Participate in local chambers of commerce, business organizations, networking events, and economic development activities.

• Represent the bank professionally throughout the Southwest Florida business community.

Qualifications

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

• 5+ years of commercial lending experience.

• 2-3+ years of direct SBA lending experience, preferably with SBA 7(a) and/or 504 programs.

• Experience in a community or regional banking environment preferred.

• Demonstrated success in commercial loan production and portfolio management.

• Strong understanding of commercial credit analysis, financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and credit risk.

• Working knowledge of SBA eligibility requirements and SBA SOP.

• Experience with SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) is a plus.

• Strong business development and relationship management skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

• Ability to present and explain complex credit information to senior management or Loan Committees.

• Strong ethical standards and commitment to regulatory compliance.

• Ability to travel locally throughout Southwest Florida and maintain a strong presence in the business community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing book of business or established professional network in Southwest Florida.

• Knowledge of local industries such as tourism, real estate, healthcare, professional services, marine, and small business.

• Prior lending authority or experience presenting commercial credit requests to Loan Committees.

• Formal commercial credit training or equivalent hands-on credit underwriting experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Base Pay

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• 401(k) with 6% company match

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 100% employer-paid health insurance

• Life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability

• Flexible spending account

• Paid time off, minimum 15 days

• 11 paid federal holidays

• Stock options

Work Location: Fort Myers, FL - In Person