Senior Credit Officer

This is an on-site position at our West Fargo, ND, Devils Lake, ND, Marshall, MN or Chandler, AZ location.

At Western, “what” you know is important, but not as important as how you relate to teammates and customers. Our environment is based on the principles of respect, curiosity, creativity, individual empowerment, and the ability to listen effectively and communicate openly. We also believe in continual learning, bias toward action, keeping commitments, and doing our absolute best every day.

Our Senior Credit Officer is focused on underwriting complex transactions within the organization. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of various industries, credit policies, and guidelines, along with the ability to exercise independent judgment. The analyst will possess lending authority aligned with departmental objectives, tenure, and delegation requirements. Active participation in the Credit Committee involves contributing insights during discussions on underwriting decisions and structuring, aiming to promote learning and development.

Collaboratively, the analyst engages with the Credit and Sales Departments to assess and underwrite larger financial statement transactions. Key responsibilities include reviewing customer credit data, preparing and presenting credit memos, and making credit decisions within assigned authority, aligned with the organization's vision, values, and team directives.

Responsible for reviewing loan requests on both new and existing customers. This role involves direct communication with Business Development Managers (BDMs) and customers throughout the underwriting process. The analyst engages with borrowers to gather crucial information, develop insights into the business, assess management practices, identify risks, and structure loans effectively. Collaborating closely with BDMs, the analyst obtains financial data, supports negotiation processes, and contributes to deal structuring.

The analyst will spread and analyze relevant financial data, including tax returns and financial statements of businesses and personal guarantors, projections and sensitivity analysis. Examine cash flow (stand alone and global) and review collateral adequacy. Perform appropriate market, industry and economic analysis as well as obtain personal credit and other associated business reports. Recommend risk ratings, identify key risks and mitigating factors.

Additionally, the analyst independently prepares comprehensive credit presentations in line with policies and risk parameters, presenting requests that exceed personal lending authority to the Credit Committee for review and approval. Building and nurturing relationships with key borrowers is essential, involving a deep understanding of their businesses, industries, and growth strategies. The analyst conducts annual reviews to monitor these relationships and track business developments.

Furthermore, this role encompasses mentoring, guiding, and training junior credit staff, reviewing and approving their work to ensure quality and compliance with established guidelines. Through these activities, the analyst plays a pivotal role in maintaining strong borrower relationships, facilitating effective underwriting processes, and fostering professional development within the credit team. Capable of multi-tasking, managing priorities, and meeting deadlines.

Manage and continue to grow strong relationships with vendors, customers and business partners, as well as internal departments to drive business results and create a superior customer experience. Foster a close working relationship with departments throughout the organization to identify appropriate risk tolerance within new or existing business opportunities.

Ensure updates/reports required in WEF’s Credit Policy are presented to the Board of Directors in an effective and efficient manner. Possess a high degree of proficiency in Excel and report generation with the ability to analyze, summarize and communicate findings. Assist with data mining and tracking to aid the team in creating department dashboards.