Chief Credit Officer, Commercial Lending

Job Description: Chief Credit Officer Commercial Lending

Industry: Banking Financial Services

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Board Credit Committee

Job Summary

The Chief Credit Officer Commercial Lending is responsible for leading the organizations commercial credit function ensuring high-quality underwriting sound credit risk management and a well-performing loan portfolio.

This role oversees credit policy approval processes portfolio quality and risk governance for SME mid-market and commercial lending segments. The incumbent ensures a balance between business growth and risk appetite while maintaining strong regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Credit Strategy & Policy Development

Develop and implement commercial credit strategy aligned with business goals

Establish and maintain credit policies underwriting standards and risk frameworks

Define risk appetite and credit limits for commercial lending

Ensure consistency and discipline in credit decision-making

2. Credit Approval & Underwriting Oversight

Oversee credit underwriting processes for commercial loans

Approve large and complex credit proposals within delegated authority

Ensure robust financial analysis risk assessment and deal structuring

Guide teams on pricing covenants and credit terms

3. Portfolio Risk Management

Monitor commercial loan portfolio performance and asset quality

Manage non-performing loans (NPL/NPA) and credit risk exposure

Identify early warning signals and implement corrective actions

Ensure portfolio diversification and risk mitigation

4. Credit Governance & Compliance

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies

Support audits regulatory inspections and reporting

Maintain strong credit governance and documentation standards

Align credit practices with enterprise risk management frameworks

5. Collaboration with Business Units

Partner with commercial banking relationship managers and sales teams

Support business growth through structured credit solutions

Balance risk management with client and revenue objectives

Provide expert credit advisory on complex deals

6. Credit Operations & Process Efficiency

Oversee credit processes turnaround times and SLAs

Improve efficiency in credit approvals and documentation

Implement process enhancements and automation

Ensure timely renewals and reviews of credit facilities

7. Problem Loan Management & Recovery

Oversee management of distressed assets and recovery strategies

Develop restructuring and workout solutions

Collaborate with legal and recovery teams

Minimize credit losses

8. Leadership & Team Management

Lead credit risk and underwriting teams

Build high-performance culture and accountability

Develop talent and succession planning

Provide training and guidance on credit practices

Key Requirements

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance Accounting Economics or related field

Professional certifications (e.g. CFA FRM CPA) are highly preferred

Experience

15 years of experience in credit risk commercial lending or banking

Proven leadership in senior credit roles (e.g. Chief Credit Officer Head of Credit Senior Credit Risk Leader)

Strong experience in SME mid-market and commercial lending

Skills & Competencies

Deep knowledge of credit risk management and underwriting

Strong financial analysis and risk assessment skills

Expertise in portfolio management and NPL control

Strategic thinking and decision-making

Leadership and stakeholder management

Strong regulatory and compliance awareness

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Portfolio quality (NPL/NPA ratios)

Credit approval turnaround time

Loan growth vs risk-adjusted returns

Credit loss ratios and recovery rates

Compliance with regulatory and audit requirements

Effectiveness of credit policies and frameworks

Preferred Attributes

Experience in large or multinational financial institutions

Strong exposure to complex commercial lending structures

Ability to balance growth and risk effectively

Strong leadership and governance mindset

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Executive benefits and allowances