Loan Assistant Team Lead

As a leading regional bank, SouthState has been providing financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the Southeast for more than 100 years. SouthState team members strive to create remarkable experiences while building meaningful and lasting relationships. We are proud to be a reflection of the communities we serve, and our team members share core values that make SouthState a great place to bank, and a great place to work.

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

Manages a group of local and remote Loan Assistants within a specific region. In conjunction with Corporate Learning, provides Loan Assistants with comprehensive on the job training of systems, bank (credit, compliance, and operations) policies as well as State and Federal regulations. Responsible for ensuring Bankers are provided with strong administrative support to enhance the client experience with the Bank. Oversees work distribution to ensure all Loan Assistants within the region are working at optimal levels. Stays abreast of regulatory, legal, and technical updates or changes that impact loan documentation processes and requirements.

As a player / coach, may provide administrative support to Private Banking, Business Banking, Commercial and Middle Market Bankers and Commercial Banking Executives / Market Presidents. Supports the growth of the region's loan portfolio via preparation of loan documents, funding process, credit file maintenance and coordination of loan closings. Provides an excellent client experience to prospects and clients and is responsible for problem solving, issue investigation and resolution. Acts as a gatekeeper to Bankers. Provides local support to the Market President through report distribution and monitoring. Plans / manages all commercial events, is the liaison for sponsorships in the market.

Ensures the accuracy and uniformity of all legal and loan documents and minimizes the risk of loss to the Bank. Ensures that all loans are closed and maintained in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Bank policies and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage a team of local and remote Loan Assistants who provide administrative and loan support, client service and sales support to Private Bankers, Commercial and Middle Market Bankers to ensure an excellent client experience and minimize the risk of loss to the Bank
• Train and coach Loan Assistants on loan closing and documentation procedures, required documentation, loan servicing, government, and bank regulations
• Partner with Corporate Learning, Operations and Treasury Management on training and special projects
• Manage the operational risk (monitor and review loans in process reports, exception reports, past due reports) of Business Banking, Private Banking, Commercial and Middle Market Banking teams to ensure compliance with operational policies and procedures
• Make independent decisions involving complex operational or client services issues. Escalate to Market President as appropriate
• Oversee work distribution to ensure all Loan Assistants within the region are working at optimal levels
• Develop collaborative working relationships with other Loan Assistant Team leads across the footprint to ensure parity and share best practices
• Serves as primary escalation contact for service-related issues arising from clients and/or operations
• Ensures established processes are followed and loan documentation is generated and executed according to the bank's policies and procedures and are within regulatory guidelines
• Conducts performance reviews and manages performance of Loan Assistants through collaboration with Bankers to ensure Assistants are providing necessary support for optimum efficiency
• Act as liaison to assist clients with navigating the bank and interacting with internal partners and support centers
• Plan and manage all Commercial / Middle Market events within the region
• Liaison for sponsorships in the community
• Manage regional sponsorship budget
• Provide administrative support (filing, scanning, email / mail correspondence, answering phones, etc.) to Bankers. Assist Bankers in development of cross-selling and other sales activities and opportunities when appropriate
• Prepare loan closing packages according to guidelines established by the Bank in a timely and accurate manner, Reviews loan packages for accuracy prior to delivery to Banker
• Coordinate closings with lenders, attorneys, insurance agents and customers
• Order title searches, UCC searches, appraisals and flood certifications as needed
• Coordinate the approval of the disbursement of closing funds and issues loan proceeds checks and wires
• Review closed and funded loans for document completions, ensures that loans are booked in a timely and accurate manner
• Contact settlement agents, register of deeds and title insurance agencies to obtain post-purchase documentation as necessary. Maintains a tickler system on outstanding insurance policies and any other post-closing documentation (collateral and exception monitoring) and reports on status during weekly meetings
• Prepare and process new accounts and fund transfers as related to loans. Maintain and coordinate customer account records and performs basic service transactions such as address changes and accepting loan payments
• Facilitate ancillary services between client, Banker and appropriate parties, i.e. Retail, Treasury Management and Capital Markets
• Ensure the accuracy and uniformity of legal and loan documents, which minimizes the risk of loss to the Bank
• Ensure loans are closed and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, as well as Bank policies and guidelines
• Review Past Due reports, Balance Summary reports, Closed Account reports and alert Banker to any material changes or upcoming deadlines
• Fund and authorize the release of loan funds based on loan approvals and contractual requirements
• Remain knowledgeable of all State and Federal lending and documentation regulations as well as Bank policies and guidelines ensuring compliance
• Coordinate and provide back-up support to Loan Assistants

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Client service management
• General banking knowledge
• General mathematic abilities

Qualifications, Education, and Certification Requirements

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree or additional course work in banking, finance or lending is an asset.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of Business, Private or Commercial banking support experience or client service experience within a financial institution. Increasingly responsible experience and depth of knowledge in loan documentation and compliance. Experience should include loan review, documentation, client service and compliance. Previous management experience is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge: Must have a complete knowledge of all State and Federal lending regulations, as well as Bank policies and procedures. Must be knowledgeable of all Bank products and services. Must be well versed in insurance and documentation requirements for all loan products. An in-depth understanding of interest and payment calculations is essential.
• Skills: Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as well-developed client service and management skills. Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and reasonable thinking in the loan documentation and fund disbursement processes. Must be able to handle the pressure of deadlines diplomatically. Excellent organizational, time management and administrative skills are required. Must be proficient in the use of basic office equipment with emphasis on typing, calculator, and computer. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training, New Employee Orientation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, reports, and cash denominations, and identify customers.

Reasonable accommodations made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position may be in a cubicle environment that may be loud throughout the day. This position may be in a private office.

Telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology is delivered.

TRAVEL

Travel may be required to come to meetings as needed.