Role Overview for SVP, Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and results-driven executive to serve as the Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Lending for a premier, growth-oriented regional bank headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a rare and compelling opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a well-capitalized and respected financial institution, shaping the future of its largest and most critical lending division. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader with an impeccable track record, deep market knowledge, and the ability to inspire a high-performing team.
As the Head of CRE Lending, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, profitable growth, and prudent risk management of the bank’s entire commercial real estate loan portfolio. This executive role demands a unique blend of sophisticated credit acumen, dynamic business development skills, and inspirational leadership. You will be tasked with building upon a strong existing foundation, expanding the bank’s market share, and enhancing its reputation as a leading CRE lender in the St. Louis metropolitan area and the broader Midwest region. You will not only manage the day-to-day operations of the department but also serve as a key architect of its long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with the bank’s overall corporate objectives. This position offers a significant platform to make a tangible impact on the bank’s balance sheet, its community presence, and its continued success story. We are seeking a leader who is not just a manager, but a builder—someone who can cultivate deep client relationships, mentor the next generation of lenders, and navigate the complexities of the evolving real estate market with confidence and foresight.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
The SVP, Head of CRE Lending will direct all aspects of the department, from strategy to execution. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for the CRE Lending division. Establish ambitious yet achievable goals for loan growth, profitability, portfolio diversification, and credit quality that align with the bank’s overarching financial objectives and risk appetite.
Business Development & Market Expansion
Act as the chief business development officer for the CRE division. Proactively source, cultivate, and expand a high-value network of relationships with prominent commercial real estate developers, investors, brokers, and influencers throughout the St. Louis MSA and surrounding regions. Represent the bank at key industry events and functions to enhance its brand and market presence.
Portfolio Management & Oversight
Provide executive oversight for the entire CRE loan portfolio, encompassing all major asset classes including multifamily, industrial, office, retail, and hospitality. Ensure the portfolio is managed for optimal performance, balancing growth with rigorous risk management and maintaining asset quality.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a talented team of CRE relationship managers, underwriters, and support staff. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture that encourages professional growth and accountability. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive coaching, and design succession plans for key roles.
Credit & Risk Management
Serve as a senior member and voting authority on the bank’s Loan Committee. Champion and enforce sound credit policies and underwriting standards. Oversee the entire credit lifecycle from origination and structuring to approval, closing, and ongoing monitoring. Ensure all lending activities adhere to regulatory compliance and internal policies.
Financial Performance & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the CRE Lending division. Develop and manage the annual budget, drive revenue through strategic loan pricing and fee generation, and carefully manage expenses to achieve and exceed profitability targets.
Market Analysis & Strategy
Conduct continuous, in-depth analysis of the St. Louis CRE market, monitoring economic indicators, competitor activities, and emerging trends. Leverage insights from leading industry resources like the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
Executive Collaboration
Work in close partnership with other members of the executive team, including the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and heads of other business lines such as Treasury Management and Private Banking, to deliver integrated and comprehensive financial solutions to clients and maximize cross-sell opportunities.
Reporting & Communication
Prepare and present regular, detailed reports on portfolio performance, pipeline activity, market trends, and strategic initiatives to the executive management team and the Board of Directors.
Requirements for the SVP, Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned banking executive with extensive leadership experience and a deep-seated expertise in commercial real estate finance. Specific qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in commercial real estate lending and finance, with at least seven (7) years in a significant leadership capacity overseeing a team and a substantial loan portfolio within a commercial bank or similar financial institution.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Real Estate, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., MS in Real Estate) is highly preferred.
Market Expertise
An extensive and demonstrable understanding of the St. Louis commercial real estate market is essential. This includes established relationships with key market participants and a nuanced knowledge of local market dynamics, submarkets, and property types.
Credit Acumen
Proven, expert-level proficiency in complex CRE credit analysis, risk assessment, and loan structuring. Formal credit training from a reputable banking institution is required. Must have experience underwriting and approving large, complex transactions.
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate a diverse team of lending professionals. A track record of developing talent, fostering teamwork, and building a positive and productive work environment.
Business Development Track Record
A strong and verifiable history of personal production and success in originating profitable CRE loans and building a robust client portfolio.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Must possess the executive presence and polish to interact effectively with C-level clients, executive management, and the Board of Directors.
Regulatory Knowledge
Thorough understanding of banking regulations, compliance standards (e.g., BSA/AML, Fair Lending), and risk management principles applicable to commercial real estate lending.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation Package
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a lucrative annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) designed to reward strategic growth and profitability.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement & Financial Security
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuous learning, including industry conferences, executive coaching, certifications, and other professional development opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates who are not currently located in the St. Louis area.
Additional Perks
Includes bank-provided life and disability insurance, employee banking privileges, and other executive-level perquisites.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm leading this recruitment. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. We are committed to a transparent and respectful recruitment process.
