VP - Commercial Lender

Location: Kansas City, MO

The Numbers: $90,000 – $150,000 Base Salary (Commensurate with production history + Aggressive Incentive Plan)

The Big Picture Our Client is a mission-driven, 75-year-old certified CDFI that serves as the economic heartbeat of Kansas City. Unlike traditional big-box banks, they operate with a focus on high-impact community transformation, providing the capital that fuels local small businesses and minority-owned ventures. As they execute a strategic expansion backed by federal investment (ECIP), they are looking for a Commercial Lender who wants to move beyond "hitting a number" and instead become the face of economic growth in KC's urban core.

The Mission Your goal is to be a Market Catalyst. As a Commercial Lender, you aren't just selling debt; you are originating and structuring the C&I and CRE relationships that build the city. You will have the autonomy to hunt for new business while maintaining the technical "muscle" to structure complex credits. If you are a banking professional who thrives on business development but wants your $20MM+ annual production to have a measurable social ROI, this is your desk.

The Daily Grind (The Good Kind)

• Market Origination: Drive new C&I and CRE loan relationships through aggressive business development and community outreach.
• Strategic Structuring: Take ownership of structuring and presenting credit requests that align with both bank policy and the unique needs of mission-driven projects.
• Portfolio Stewardship: Manage an assigned portfolio of commercial relationships, monitoring performance and proactively identifying emerging credit risks.
• Collaborative Underwriting: Partner closely with credit administration and portfolio management to ensure a seamless "front-to-back" experience for the client.
• Community Ambassadorship: Represent the bank in high-level community and business development activities, serving as a trusted advisor to KC business owners.

Your Toolkit

• The Battle Scars: 5+ years of commercial lending experience with a heavy focus on C&I and CRE. You know how to navigate a deal from first handshake to closing.
• The Track Record: A demonstrated history of originating $20MM+ in annual new loan production. You are a hunter who understands the "grind" of business development.
• Technical Mastery: A strong grasp of commercial credit analysis and loan structuring, specifically with complex or multi-entity credit structures.
• Communication Edge: The ability to effectively manage multiple client relationships while communicating credit-related decisions in a positive, constructive manner.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting is preferred, but we value your specific history of closing deals and managing risk.

The Payoff

• Compensation Detail: A competitive base salary of $90K – $130K plus an incentive structure designed for top-tier producers.
• Purpose-Driven Lending: Work for a bank where your loan production directly impacts the KC metro through CDFI and NMTC initiatives.
• Growth Autonomy: This is a high-impact role where you are given the resources and the capital to dominate the local market without the red tape of a national institution.

Our Partnership Approach Thank you for trusting Lupton Partners with your career transition. We take immense pride in our work, but our focus is always on the outcome—for both the candidates we represent and the companies we serve.

If the first role we discuss isn't the perfect fit, we won't force it. Our goal is to land you in the right place, not just the next place. We also recognize that career changes—even the most exciting ones—come with a side of stress. That’s normal. We’re here to handle the heavy lifting and provide clarity at every step.

What to Expect

• The Introduction Call: This is a high-level chemistry check. We’ll dive into your history, map out your career goals, and get real about compensation and advancement targets.
• Active Searches: We’ll match your story to our clients' needs. We keep compensation targets front-and-center so nobody’s time is wasted.
• Client Submissions: It is our promise that we do not present your name or credentials to clients without clear communication and your explicit permission.
• Interview Feedback: This is where we earn our keep. Call us as soon as you hit the parking lot. If you think you fumbled a question or found a better answer ten minutes too late, let’s talk.
• Background Checks: Transparency wins here. If there’s a potential red flag in your background, drug screen, or credit report, tell us now so we can manage the narrative together.
• Offers: No surprises. We’ll walk through a verbal offer together before the formal letter arrives. Since we align on numbers in our first call, this stage should be a “green light” celebration.

Questions? Reach out anytime. Travis Lupton Office: 913-521-3303 | Mobile: 913-231-8472 travis@luptonpartners.com