Government Lending Loan Closing Team Lead- Remote in FL, GA, AL, SC, NC, VA, TX, CO

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!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

The position of a Government Lending Loan Closing Team Lead manages a team of loan closing specialists by performing hands-on oversight of their daily work.  Specifically, the position is responsible for training and coaching the closing team members to ensure their loan files are complete, accurate, and compliant with Bank and Guaranteed Loan Program policies and procedures.  This leadership role also includes reviewing and providing decisions and/or guidance on decisions with closing loans, pre-close file reviews, updating and maintaining operational procedures and forms, and contributing to process improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages and leads team of Loan Closing Specialists.   These responsibilities include training, coaching, and developing teammates, in an effort to meet personal, departmental & corporate goals. 
• Reviews and provides decisioning and/or guidance on decisions with pre-closing loan file review of SBA/504/USDA loans, ensuring compliance with Bank and guaranteed loan program requirements.
• Leads the daily work activities of Government Lending Loan Closing Specialists and is a first resource for problem-solving.
• Assists the Government Lending Loan Closing Manager in the process improvement activities for the team.
• Assists in preparing files and documents for audits as required.
• Trains new Government Lending Loan Closing Specialists and provides ongoing training to all team members in the Government Lending Loan Closing Department.
• Maintains/updates the Government Lending Loan Closing procedures manual as needed, ensuring all procedures are current and in compliance with Bank policies and the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Provides support to Government Lending Loan Closing Specialists team as a back-up when short-staffed or at peak workload times, or as otherwise directed.
• May act as a proxy to the Government Guaranteed Lending Construction & Disbursement Specialists when short-staffed or at peak workload times, or as otherwise directed.
• Acts as a technical advisor to the Government Guaranteed Lending Closing Team, providing immediate support to all inquiries.
• Acts as a liaison, as necessary, with the Small Business Administration, CDC, and USDA to ensure compliance with loan closing activities.
• Reviews/corrects Bank and SBA Loan Documents prior to loan signing.
• Maintains oversight and guidance of loan closing turn-times for all loan transactions.
• Prepare loan documents according to credit approval using LaserPro documentation system.
• Responsible for closing individual loans and managing a personal loan pipeline.
• Conduct and document all mandatory due diligence searches, including CAIVRS, SAM.gov, OFAC, UCC Searches, and filings.
• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities -- knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the SouthState Bank’s corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of workflow management and possession of strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills to include written and verbal skills, with emphasis on group presentation skills and the ability to influence.
• Demonstrated ex