Associate SBA Relationship Manager

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

BASIC PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for, but not limited to, originating U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7a loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture Business and Industry (USDA B&I) loans. Incumbents are expected to work closely with existing SBA Relationship Managers and/or SBA Sales Managers to hone their sales and negotiation skills while also deepening their knowledge of SBA and USDA programs. The position is expected to meet or exceed production goals, which are set annually by the Bank.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This position is expected to perform the specific duties, tasks, and responsibilities as outlined below:

• Collects and analyzes information that reflects the current creditworthiness of customers and the current merits of existing loans. May obtain information through direct inspection of the applicant's business and/or collateral, review of interim financial reports, personal interview, and other means.

• Assists in management of an existing portfolio of Government Guaranteed Lending Clients.

• Interviews loan applicants, and collects and analyzes financial and related data to determine the general creditworthiness of the prospect and the merits of the specific loan request. Collects and performs preliminary credit analysis on current customers

• Partners with an existing SBA Relationship Manager to establish and negotiate terms under which credit will be extended, including the costs, repayment method, and schedule and collateral requirements

• Presents loan requests to the appropriate approver when the proposed loan dollar volume exceeds the assigned Credit Administrator authority

• Monitors loan repayment activities and takes necessary action to collect from past-due accounts.

• Develops new business by contacting prospects and customers, cross-sells bank services

• Prepares lending activity reports for department management

• Keeps abreast of local and national economic, financial, political, and legislative events and climates which could have an impact on corporate and commercial lending activities

• Keeps abreast of SBA and USDA B&I loan program regulation, and assures adherence to said regulations

• Participates in community affairs to increase the bank's visibility and to enhance new business opportunities

• Maintains professional and community relations to increase the bank's visibility and new business opportunities, and to further personal development

• If assigned to assist the conventional Relationship Managers, or other Bank conventional lenders on government lending, the expectation is that the Government Lending RM will work hand in hand with the conventional lenders at the Bank to assess and process and internal loan referrals

• Ensure that the Bank's policies and procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines are strictly complied with

• Provide assistance to other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions

• Be involved in performing marketing endeavors/efforts

• Continuously update skills by participating in professional training

• Seek opportunities to improve skills through cross-training offered by the Bank

• All other tasks, responsibilities or duties, as directed by management

OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have strong communication skills characterized by excellent writing and speaking skills

• Proficient with general office machines and programs to include Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software that might be utilized in the department

• Ability to use the computer efficiently and the capacity to learn new software programs as they are rolled out by the Bank

• Must have good knowledge of business English, including spelling and punctuation

• Must possess basic English language skills in order to write and speak clearly, and effectively with coworkers and customers

• Must be well-organized, accurate, and attentive to detail

• Must be cooperative and willing to assist coworkers and customers on a regular basis

• Must have effective listening skills demonstrated by the ability to listen to others talk (without interruption), understand them, and then propose solutions or make contributions based on the points made by others

• Must possess excellent multi-tasking skills and be able to function well under pressure

• Must be able to remain composed under pressure and respond to customer and coworker concerns regularly

• Must have a keen eye for detail and follow instructions to the letter

• Must be patient and willing to help others in solving problems while maintaining a positive attitude at all times

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance or equivalent work experience in related field

• 1-3 years of previous business banking, commercial underwriting or commercial lending/support experience in a bank or loan setting

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in government lending preferred

• Will provide government guaranteed loans in compliance with the SouthState Bank and governmental loan program policies and procedures

• Requires knowledge of office practices, procedures and general office machines

• Must be able to prepare documents and compose business letters and memorandums

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of customer and employee information

• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently

• Requires a strong sense of urgency, initiative, and drive to complete tasks correctly, with emphasis on working with and through people in the process

• Must be able to work at a faster than average pace and able to multi-task

• Must have good knowledge of business English, spelling and punctuation

• Must possess basic language skills to write and speak clearly, effectively, and appropriate to business standards

• Must be able to make sound decisions, have the ability to recognize potential problems, and take corrective action

• Must be professional in appearance

• Regular attendance in necessary

• Be a team player in recommending and referring additional products and services to other lines of business within the company

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed above 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, reports, and cash denominations, and identify customers. This position requires a large amount of time in front of a computer. This can be done sitting or standing with use of the right desk.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology is delivered. Travel may be required to come to meetings as needed.