Small Business Lending Manager

IN0534 Fishers, NY0705 NY Region Business Office, OH0523 Independence Bus Office, OH0713 NW Bancshares HQ, PA0186 Mount Joy, PA0220 Erie - 8th & State, PA0258 Bellevue, PA0736 Administration CenterJob DescriptionThe Small Business Lending Manager leads and oversees a centralized small business lending platform supporting originations through the financial center banking system and Small Business Bankers. This role is accountable for driving high-quality, consistent production outcomes through clearly defined performance metrics, service-level standards, and disciplined execution across the end-to-end loan lifecycle.The Manager is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and continuously improving measurable production, quality, and cycle-time metrics, ensuring loans are originated efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with risk appetite and profitability objectives. This includes the development and maintenance of a straight-through, scalable loan origination process that balances speed, quality, and control.A core focus of the role is ensuring strict adherence to all applicable regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements, including internal policies, procedures, and operational risk management controls. The Manager ensures strong compliance governance, audit readiness, and consistent application of credit policy, while proactively identifying and addressing emerging regulatory, operational, and portfolio risks.The role provides leadership and direct supervision to all small business underwriters, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, skill development, and performance management aligned to quality, accuracy, and productivity expectations. The Manager makes sound, risk-based credit decisions, reinforces underwriting discipline, and promotes accountability through ongoing quality reviews and portfolio analytics.Additionally, the Small Business Lending Manager maintains a proactive portfolio management mindset, monitoring credit quality, concentration risks, and performance trends to support sustainable growth and early risk identification. The role partners closely with internal stakeholders, including Retail Banking, Loan Operations, and Small Business Loan teams, to ensure alignment, transparency, and continuous improvement across the small business lending ecosystem.Essential FunctionsParticipate in developing Northwest strategic initiatives and objectivesWork closely with Small Business Executive Director to align end to end lending process and communication strategyDetermine customer expectations and develop methods to improve customer serviceOversee and approve career development and key appointmentsDevelop service and delivery enhancements, manage SLA'sAchieve/demonstrate greater department efficienciesRemain cognizant of prevailing economic conditions and marketsManage partnership with other Business lines to ensure a cohesive business development teamProvide for enhanced customer serviceEnsure growth in revenue producing products and servicesPlan and oversee expansion of Small Business Lending DepartmentPartner with senior leadership to identify and develop technological advancements- Significant strength in Scoring and OCR technology preferredMaintain comprehensive process to evaluate the creditworthiness of loan applicationsCultivate relationships with outside business partnersDevelop specific measurable departmental goals and targetsAssure underwriting administration is sufficient to properly mitigate credit riskDevelop relevant statistics and related reportsUnderstand and engage in Business lending related public relations/community involvement programsEnsure ongoing administration of all Small Business loans in accordance with i

Created: 2026-05-02