VP, Commercial Lender

VP, Commercial LenderLocation: Bozeman, MT (In-Office)Job Type: Full-Time ExemptSalary: $93,000 - $130,000/YRActual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skillsApplications should be submitted for consideration no later 11/17/2025.Who We're Looking ForYou're a client-focused banker with a strong foundation in commercial lending, portfolio management, and relationship growth. You combine credit and service expertise with the ability to identify revenue opportunities and deliver tailored financial solutions. You work proactively to acquire and deepen relationships, whether through networking, referrals, or direct outreach. You're confident in managing loan requests from structuring to closing and bring a collaborative, consultative approach to client engagement. If you're someone who drives results while balancing service, structure, and execution-this role is for you.About the RoleThe VP, Commercial Lender, is responsible for growing and retaining client relationships, supporting Profit Center (PC) revenue goals, and delivering a full range of financial solutions. This role contributes to the production of loans, deposits, and referrals to other business lines while helping manage new and existing client relationships. Day-to-day responsibilities include identifying opportunities, facilitating and structuring credit requests, managing loan portfolios, and coordinating with internal partners to deliver tailored client solutions. The VP, Commercial Lender also plays a key role in supporting compliance, documentation, and service excellence throughout the client lifecycle.What You'll Do- Support Profit Center (PC) production by meeting individual annual production goals for loans, deposits, and assets under management; establish referral objectives aligned with overall office sales goals.- Identify and introduce new client relationships through prospecting, strategic outreach, and relationship development.- Facilitate and structure new and existing credit requests-including commercial, construction, and real estate loans-in accordance with pricing, collateral, and credit guidance.- Review and release underwriting and cash flow analysis for loan opportunities to ensure sound credit decisions and proper structuring.- Manage the full lending process alongside Credit Analysts and Loan Associates, from application and underwriting through approval, closing, and onboarding.- Oversee portfolio administration including covenant tracking, borrowing base and collateral monitoring, maturing loan and past due tracking, appraisal policy compliance, loan documentation, and annual reviews.- Collaborate with internal partners in wealth planning, investment management, trust, and deposit services to deliver comprehensive financial strategies and support relationship expansion.What You Bring- Bachelor's degree in business or related field.- 5-7 years of experience in lending, underwriting, and/or credit.- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with exceptional Excel skills.- Experience working with banking and credit software.- Experience with CRM systems.- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks.- High initiative, follow-through, and attention to detail.- Ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and work independently with minimal supervision.- Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced associates.- Comfortable representing the Bank and Profit Center (PC) with clients, prospects, and community contacts.- Experience working with high-net-worth individuals.- NMLS registration upon hire.What We Offer- Competitive base salary: $93,000 - $130,000, plus strong bonus potential.- 401(k) plan with employer match.- Paid parking and transportation benefits.- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:- Health savings accounts (HSA)- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)- Medical, dental, and vision coverage- Generous paid time off and bank holidays.- Access to training and professional development programs.- Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.- A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.Who We AreAt First Western Trust, we're more than just a financial institution-we're a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.We celebrate each other's successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you're just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.We expect our people to:- Demand and reward excellence.- Take action and responsibility.- Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.- Go above and beyond to do what's right-always.Equal Opportunity EmployerFirst Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.