Lending Specialist-Timber, Logger, and Forest Products

Where you will work: This position offers a hybrid work option up to 50% remote and is based out of the Hermantown, MN; Eau Claire, WI; Waite Park, MN; or Rice Lake, WI office locations.

The contributions you will make: This candidate will serve the forest products industry, providing loan and lease solutions to loggers, landowners, mills, and the broader forest products sector. The position involves managing a direct portfolio and collaborating with other Lending Specialists to form a cohesive team that supports these clients. We seek a well-organized individual who excels in clear communication and can work effectively both one-on-one with clients and in a supportive role alongside other lending specialists.

This position leads and directs the efficient and effective development of client relationships. The goal is to offer creative, valuable solutions to client problems and deliver value-added service by cross-selling all of the organization's financial services when a need is identified. The candidate will actively participate in the development and implementation of client solutions, leading sales and marketing efforts in a specific market as a trusted advisor. Additionally, the position involves developing and networking with specialized industry and trade contacts.

A typical day:

• Markets credit and related services to middle market commercial accounts.
• Researches and identifies prospective new clients and increases opportunities for business growth with existing clients.
• Seeks new loan business by developing relationships with existing clients, searching for new clients and meeting with prospective clients to gain their business.
• Maintains prospect files and establishes ongoing prospecting plans and activities.
• Assists leadership in developing and delivering business plan objectives and marketing programs that enable the organization to meet business goals.
• Focuses on creating valuable financial solutions to client operations while generating revenue and volume for the organization.
• Participates in the development of new products/services and/or the development of product promotion campaigns in collaboration with the Compeer Marketing team, as needed.
• Represents the organization for select commercial accounts including some multi-lender relationships.
• Continually builds and develops solid relationships with existing clients by bringing valued knowledge and experience to help manage the client's agricultural operations more effectively and efficiently.
• Provides creative solutions and cross-sells value-added financial services to existing clients.
• Maintains and delivers the appropriate systems and structures to support a relationship selling culture.
• Delivers expert industry knowledge and world class client service.
• Supports a relationship selling structure.
• Delivers "value added" informational services to the farming operation.
• Works with client to gather and analyze their financial information.
• Processes new loan applications, renewal of existing operations for commercial real estate loans.
• Follows up with client to request financials to ensure up to date accurate information as needed.
• Discusses and collects required financial documentation with the client and quality of financials reported.
• Uses Compeer systems (Salesforce, SharePoint, etc.) and workflows to accurately enter, review and correct data that has been entered into the system for each loan file from application to closing.
• Develops in depth knowledge of product and service offerings to benefit association clients.
• Networks and attends industry meetings and conferences to gain knowledge that can be shared with clients and prospective clients.
• Collaborates with association subject matter experts to expand knowledge and educate product benefits to clients and prospective clients.
• Networks with other key industry leaders to strengthen relationships.
• Maintains active involvement in industry professional groups.
• Represents Compeer across Rural America.

The skills and experience we prefer you have:

• Bachelor's degree in business, agriculture or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the agribusiness/farming industry, or similar experience in agricultural credit or closely related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state (Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) laws, regulations and compliance requirements specific to the financial industry and Farm Credit.
• Understand the program offerings by network partners like the Farm Service Agency, USDA, SBA, and independent agriculture groups.
• Solid working knowledge of business development and relationship management.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Solid problem-solving skills, decision making, negotiating and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills with strength in attention to details.
• Be able to know and teach accounting principles and cashflow management.
• Solid knowledge in area of expertise.
• Ability to informally motivate in a team environment.

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How we will take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career level (associate, senior, principal, etc.). The actual title and base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for variable compensation and other benefits.