[Hiring] SBA Closing Manager @Northwest Bank

Role Description

The SBA (Small Business Administration) Closing Manager serves as the driving force behind the successful transition of SBA loans from approval to funding, ensuring every transaction moves forward with precision, efficiency, and confidence. This role oversees the full loan closing lifecycle, guiding origination fulfillment while maintaining operational excellence and strict adherence to SBA Standard Operating Procedures. Working closely with internal teams and external legal counsel, the Closing Manager orchestrates complex transactions and ensures documentation is accurate, complete, and structured for success.

• A deep understanding of SBA lending and sophisticated financing arrangements is essential.
• Ability to build strong relationships with customers, lending partners, and legal professionals.
• Plays a critical role in delivering a seamless closing experience and supporting the growth of small businesses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business.
• 6 - 8 years of SBA Lending closing experience and knowledge of SBA loan program requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of SBA's SOP requirements and regulations.
• 6 - 8 years of experience with loan closing and documentation function with outside counsel.
• 6 - 8 years of experience reviewing insurance, title work, collateral, lien filings, appraisal reports.
• 2 - 6 years of experience working with bankers, underwriters, closers, and attorneys.

Requirements

• Conduct, or participate in, the hiring, coaching, developing and supervising of team members.
• Provides oversight and expertise for items related to credit, loan, and SBA documentation policies.
• Develops strategies and recommendations for improving efficiency, productivity, quality, and risk management.
• Acts as the SBA closing/processing subject matter expert.
• Exercises independent decisions regarding compliance with bank and SBA documentation requirements.
• Serves as the primary escalation contact for business partners regarding questions, issues or concerns.
• Document and complete annual performance appraisals and performance management duties.
• Daily management of SBA Closing Desk team members to ensure timely completion of all tasks/workflows.
• Manage and ensure all SBA, legal, credit, collateral, and regulatory requirements are included in documentation.
• Ensure team has complete review of all SBA Guaranty requirements, approved terms and conditions.
• Ensure staff is managing title company process on originated loans.
• Perform SOX testing as needed.
• Ensure total document and data integrity attributes to comply with CECL data points.
• Meet performance metrics for headcount, Service Level Agreements and efficiency.
• Monitor and resolve issues and establish appropriate controls over the use of the core and ancillary systems.
• Act as department's technical liaison to develop, manage, and implement the ongoing design of documentation procedures.
• Lead and oversee activities related to documentation and monitoring tasks.
• Train new hires to ensure consistency and standardization in the closing process.
• Engage with Credit Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Underwriters to collaboratively support customer's request.
• Administrate appropriate third-party vendors.
• Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations.
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software and computer applications to maximize technology tools.
• Work as part of a team.
• Work with on-site equipment.

Benefits

• Complete other duties and special projects as requested by management.
• Interact with key strategic partners at a management level.
• Remain current on all pending and proposed regulatory changes affecting compliance.
• Attend webinars/trainings covering regulatory and compliance issues.
• Contribute as a member of the loan operations management team.
• Provide input in developing strategic planning recommendations based on operational data.