SBA Lending Executive (Channel Lead)

Title: SBA Lending Executive(Channel Lead)

Job Location: Livermore, CA

Hiring salary range: $170,000.00 - $234,000.00 annual

Fremont Bank founded in 1964, is one of the oldest independently owned banks in the Bay Area and is one of the top rated mid-tier banks in the nation. Voted a Top Workplace for 2024 and for the past fourteen consecutive years, Fremont Bank has an immediate opening for a SBA Lending Executive(Channel Lead) in Livermore, CA.

Position Overview

The SBA Lending Executive (Channel Lead) is responsiblefor driving the strategic direction, growth, and execution of the Small BusinessAdministration (SBA) lending program. Thisrole oversees the end-to- end SBA loan origination, underwriting, closing, andservicing functions (including liquidations and workouts) while ensuringcompliance with SBA policies and regulations. The executive will lead ahigh-performing team, develop key partnerships, and drive revenue througheffective channel management.

Role and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Channel Development:

• Review and enhance the strategic roadmap for the SBA lending division, aligning with the bank's overall business objectives, and then drive implementation
• Innovate and implement channel strategies to maximize market penetration and customer acquisition.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key referral sources, brokers, and strategic partners to drive SBA loan volume.
• Drive expansion efforts by identifying new market and product opportunities and growth channels.

Business Development & Sales Management:

• Set and achieve loan production goals for the SBA lending division ensuring that we actively measure and report progress against goals
• Effectively manage the sales and business development organization ensuring appropriate comp alignment, referral incentives and Sprints to bolster referrals
• Lead the development of marketing and sales strategies to promote SBA loan products.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline of SBA loan prospects and ensure efficient conversion rates.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including commercial lending teams, treasury, and marketing, to deepen relationships across the full breadth of bank products and services.

Operational Excellence & Process Optimization:

• Oversee the end-to-end SBA loan origination process, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Streamline processes and improve loan closing turn times.
• Implement best practices for risk management, loan servicing, and portfolio monitoring.
• Depending on credit authority levels, recommend or approve the new loans and servicing actions.
• Maintain a strong commandof SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure all loans adhere toregulatory and compliance requirements.
• Participate in regular Board of Directors committee meetings with frequent of reporting of progress as well as to share highlights of the future.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of SBA lenders/relationship managers, underwriters, processors, and support staff.
• Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to ensure team members stay current with SBA regulations and industry trends.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure individual and team success.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:

• Ensure adherence to SBA guidelines, bank policies, and federal/state regulations.
• Stay updated on changes in SBA lending programs and advise leadership on necessary adjustments.
• Conduct periodic audits and reviews to maintain program integrity and mitigate risks.
• Partner with legal, compliance, and risk teams to proactively address any potential regulatory issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in SBA lending, commercial banking, or business development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of SBA 7(a), 504, and other government-backed loan programs.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent sales, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Deep knowledge of SBA policies, underwriting, and risk management.
• Ability to drive business development and revenue growth through channel partnerships.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and credit underwriting principles.
• Strong communication, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Certifications: Preferred SBA training and certifications (e.g.,National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders - NAGGL).