Role Overview for SVP, Head of Retail Lending with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search on behalf of our client, a premier, top-tier financial institution with a significant national presence. We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Retail Lending to be based in their corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. This is a transformative leadership opportunity to shape the future of lending for one of the nation’s most respected banks.
The SVP, Head of Retail Lending is a critical member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Retail Banking Officer. This individual will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, financial performance, operational excellence, and sustained growth of the bank’s entire retail lending portfolio. This comprehensive portfolio includes residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other consumer credit products. The ideal candidate is a strategic innovator with a deep understanding of the modern lending landscape, a passion for leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience, and a proven track record of driving significant, profitable growth in a complex, highly regulated environment. You will be tasked with not only managing the current book of business but also identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring the bank remains a competitive leader in the consumer lending space. This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire a large, geographically dispersed team, foster a culture of accountability and innovation, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the enterprise to achieve ambitious business objectives.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Head of Retail Lending with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
Strategic Vision and Business Development
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for the Retail Lending division that aligns with the bank’s overall corporate objectives. Continuously assess market conditions, competitive landscapes, and emerging consumer trends to identify opportunities for product innovation, market expansion, and profitable growth. Champion new initiatives and present business cases to the executive committee and board of directors.
P&L and Financial Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the multi-billion dollar retail lending portfolio. Develop and manage annual budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation plans. Drive revenue growth and profitability through effective pricing strategies, expense management, and risk-adjusted return optimization. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including origination volume, portfolio growth, net interest margin, credit quality, and market share.
Portfolio and Product Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of all retail lending products. This includes product development, pricing, marketing, sales strategy, underwriting, and portfolio management. Ensure the product suite is competitive, meets the evolving needs of our customers, and delivers a superior value proposition. Implement strategies to optimize loan origination channels, including digital, branch, and third-party partnerships.
Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
Establish and maintain a robust risk management framework for the entire lending operation. Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local lending regulations, including fair lending laws and guidelines from agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Collaborate closely with the Chief Risk Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and internal audit teams to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate credit, operational, and compliance risks.
Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of lending professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and performance-driven culture that prioritizes customer-centricity and continuous improvement. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular coaching and feedback, and build a strong talent pipeline to support future growth. Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within the division.
Digital Transformation and Technology Innovation
Drive the digital transformation of the lending experience. Champion the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including AI/ML for underwriting, digital loan origination platforms, and data analytics tools to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Evaluate and manage relationships with FinTech partners to accelerate innovation and improve the end-to-end customer journey.
Customer Experience Excellence
Develop and implement strategies to deliver a seamless, intuitive, and best-in-class borrowing experience for customers across all channels. Utilize customer feedback, data analytics, and journey mapping to identify pain points and drive process improvements that increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Executive Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary advocate and expert for retail lending within the organization. Collaborate effectively with other senior leaders in Marketing, Finance, Operations, Technology, and Risk to ensure strategic alignment and successful execution of cross-functional initiatives. Represent the bank in industry forums, community events, and with key external partners.
Requirements for the SVP, Head of Retail Lending with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within the financial services industry, with at least 10 years in a senior management role directly overseeing multiple retail lending products (e.g., mortgages, auto, consumer loans). Experience managing a P&L for a large-scale lending business within a major regional or national bank is essential.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop long-term business plans, and translate strategy into actionable, measurable results. Proven experience in identifying market trends and successfully launching new products or entering new markets.
Financial and Analytical Skills
Deep understanding of financial analysis, credit risk modeling, portfolio management, and profitability drivers in retail lending. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to manage, develop, and inspire large, diverse teams. Must possess executive presence and the ability to communicate and present effectively to C-level executives, board members, and regulators.
Regulatory Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of the consumer lending regulatory environment, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, and HMDA. Experience managing regulatory relationships and navigating complex compliance landscapes.
Technical Proficiency
Strong understanding of modern lending technologies, digital platforms, and the FinTech ecosystem. Experience leading or playing a key role in a digital transformation initiative is a significant plus.
Personal Attributes
High level of integrity and ethical standards. Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action. Customer-obsessed mindset. Collaborative and team-oriented approach. Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in its employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Incentive Plan
A significant annual bonus potential based on individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in an executive equity or long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Access to executive wellness programs and mental health resources.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick days, personal days, and paid company holidays.
Parental Leave
Comprehensive paid parental leave policy.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and attendance at industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this executive search. To express your interest in this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and career accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.
We invite qualified candidates to learn more about our expertise in this area and to begin the application process by visiting the JRG Partners’ Financial Services Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing how your experience aligns with this exceptional opportunity.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
