EVP HEAD OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LENDING

EVP/HEAD OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LENDING

Republic Bank of Chicago – Chicago’s Hardworking Bank

Position: EVP/Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending

Company: Republic Bank of Chicago

Location: Oak Brook, IL

Reports to: CEO/President, Republic Bank of Chicago

About Republic – Chicago’s Hardworking Bank 

Republic Bank has been dedicated to and deeply rooted in the communities we serve since 1964. We live where you live. We work where you work.

We are proud to serve local businesses and individual clients, contributing to their financial success.

At Republic Bank, we are building a team of talented and enthusiastic professionals who share our passion for doing right by others. We are committed to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and we have a focus on your development as a teammate, professional colleague, and respected partner to the business.  

Position Summary

Republic Bank of Chicago is seeking a visionary EVP/Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending to lead and oversee the bank’s commercial real estate (CRE) lending function. This executive-level strategic role will focus on driving business growth and profitability through empowering a team of lenders to build and maintain business relationships increase core deposit production, lending production, and service fee generation. The Head of CRE Lending will work closely with the executive leadership team to refine and approve the bank’s lending strategy, policies, procedures, and interest rate structures specifically for construction and commercial real estate loans.

What You’ll Do

As EVP/Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending of Republic Bank of Chicago, you may provide expertise and leadership with the following activities including but not limited to:

• Develop and implement the commercial real estate lending strategy aligned with the bank's long-term goals. Continuously evaluate, enhance, and develop processes to evaluate and minimize credit risk.
• Oversee the management of the commercial real estate loan portfolio, ensuring an appropriate diversified product mix which meets the bank’s risk appetite.
• Empower and lead a highly motivated team of CRE Lenders, providing support for complex financing needs and establishing merit-based incentives for individual performance and overall business growth.
• Cultivate relationships with existing commercial clients and identify opportunities and initiatives to attract new clients to expand the bank’s portfolio.
• Serve as a valued member of the Executive Committee, sharing functional expertise and guidance on decision-making issues affecting the bank.
• Lead other additional and interesting bank wide projects and duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the banking industry, with at least 10 years of experience in commercial lending.
• Visionary leader with direct experience managing relationship-based sales teams. A desire to focus on the development and mentorship of individuals who are in different stages of their professional careers.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA, MSc) preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of local Chicagoland commercial real estate market conditions, as well as bank lending policies,