VP of Sales / Commercial Lending

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a VP of Sales / Commercial Lending based in the United States.** The VP of Sales / Commercial Lending will drive business growth by expanding a network of professional referral partners and originating financing opportunities for lower-middle-market businesses. This relationship-driven leadership role focuses on generating repeat deal flow and structuring financing transactions typically ranging from $1 million to $25 million. You will leverage established industry relationships while developing new strategic partnerships across commercial finance, banking, private credit, and advisory services. Working closely with credit, underwriting, and leadership teams, you will guide opportunities from initial introduction through qualification, structuring, and closing. This position offers significant earning potential for a commercially minded professional with a strong referral network and a deep understanding of business financing. It is well suited to an entrepreneurial relationship builder who can independently grow a book of business and deliver sustainable origination results. ### Accountabilities: The VP of Sales / Commercial Lending will lead referral-based business development and financing origination, cultivating trusted industry relationships to generate qualified opportunities and support the growth of the lending business. Key responsibilities include: - Develop and maintain productive relationships with banks, CPAs, attorneys, investment bankers, M&A advisors, financial advisors, private equity firms, family offices, independent sponsors, and other professional intermediaries. - Generate qualified lower-middle-market financing opportunities, typically ranging from $1 million to $25 million, through an established professional network. - Build, strengthen, and expand referral channels capable of producing consistent, repeatable deal flow. - Re-engage existing professional contacts and establish new strategic partnerships to increase origination opportunities. - Present alternative-financing solutions to referral partners and prospective borrowers, clearly communicating available options and their potential value. - Identify and qualify financing opportunities based on borrower needs, credit criteria, and available financing solutions. - Manage opportunities throughout the origination process, from initial introduction and qualification through underwriting, deal structuring, and closing. - Collaborate with credit, underwriting, and leadership teams to develop appropriate financing structures for prospective borrowers. - Maintain proactive communication with referral partners throughout the financing process to strengthen relationships and support successful outcomes. - Attend industry conferences, networking events, and professional gatherings to develop new connections and expand referral channels. - Independently manage and grow a portfolio of referral relationships and originated financing opportunities, taking ownership of business development results. **Requirements:** The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in commercial finance or a related financial-services field, established professional referral relationships, and the ability to generate repeat business through trusted partnerships. Required qualifications and capabilities include: - Proven experience in business development, loan or credit origination, strategic partnerships, relationship management, underwriting, credit, or portfolio management within commercial finance or an adjacent field. - Relevant industry experience in private credit, asset-based lending (ABL), factoring, commercial finance, SBA lending, equipment finance, commercial banking, M&A advisory, investment banking, or a related area. - An established network of professional referral sources, such as banks, accounting firms, law firms, investment banks, M&A advisors, financial advisors, private equity firms, family offices, independent sponsors, or other financial intermediaries. - A demonstrated ability to generate or influence consistent, repeat financing opportunities through professional relationships. - Experience working with lower-middle-market businesses and commercial financing transactions, ideally in the $1 million to $25 million range. - Strong understanding of commercial credit, financing structures, borrower requirements, and the financial needs of lower-middle-market companies. - Ability to identify, assess, qualify, and communicate financing opportunities effectively. - Excellent relationship-building, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. - A self-directed, entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to independently develop and manage a book of business. - Experienced underwriters, credit professionals, and portfolio managers with established external referral networks are also encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in transitioning into relationship-driven origination. **Benefits:** - **Base salary:** $150,000–$200,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. - **Total annual earning potential:** $400,000–$600,000, including potential additional earnings. - **Medical coverage:** 100% employer-paid Cigna medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents. - **Life insurance:** 100% employer-paid basic life insurance. - **Dental and vision:** Optional dental and vision insurance plans. - **Flexible spending benefits:** Access to flexible spending options. - **Commuter benefits:** Commuter support benefits. - **Work arrangement:** Remote position.