Commercial Lender III, ABL

Company: Columbia Bank
Location: Fair Lawn
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Summary: The Commercial Lender III, ABL develops new Asset Based Lending relationships with a primary focus on commercial lending. They will analyze complex and/or larger dollar value commercial lines of credit (LOC) and loans. The incumbent will work with Credit Underwriting to finalize lending packages for approval. They will present commercial LOC and loan requests to the Credit Committee for approval. The Commercial Lender III, ABL will maintain a portfolio of existing commercial customer relationships. May provide guidance to less experienced commercial lenders. Job Responsibilities : New Business Develops new business by contacting potential customers and following up on leads which may include more complex ABL deals, including participations and syndications. Evaluates all aspects of a transaction to determine viability of the credit and makes the appropriate recommendations to Senior Management and/or Credit Committee. Develops a working relationship with borrowers, referral sources, agent banks and internal business partners. Works closely with third party turnaround consultants and other professional appraisal/liquidator firms. Cross-sells Bank products and services. Relationship Management Visits clients, enters calling efforts into Salesforce, and seeks to cross sell Bank products to enhance relationship and revenue. Analyzes financial and related data for credit worthiness and merits of loan requests. Establishes terms and approves loans within lending authority or recommends approval to senior management. Informs customers of Bank decisions. Interacts with commercial customers to maintain and deepen banking relationships. Works with the ABL Portfolio Manager to prepare and review monthly management reports; develops critical financial analysis, processes client credit requests, amendments, waivers and renewals in a timely manner. Monitors credits to form an opinion of the entity’s financial condition, ascertain key issues, and uncover any existing risks in the loan structure. Credit Review & Restructuring Monitors delinquencies and evaluates problem loans. Reviews client field examinations, appraisals, collateral trends and reporting. Identifies and proactively recommends appropriate reserves. Works closely with the ABL RVP to analyze benefits of restructuring or legal collection action that may include foreclosure. In conjunction with the Special Assets Department and ABL RVP, negotiates and develops action plans for repayment of problem loans or other forms of legal collection. Reporting Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and the forecasting of loan balances. Ensures overall collateral reporting is timely and accurate. Ensures field examinations are performed timely. Presents to Senior Management and Credit Committee annual credit reviews, ensuring proper risk analysis and rating recommendations. Job and Industry Knowledge Maintains a current knowledge of local and national economic, financial, political and legislative trends. Determines the possible impact on commercial lending activities. Other Responsibilities Performs other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a business discipline Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a Commercial Lender. Formal Credit Training required Experience in reviewing and accurately interpreting loan documentation, collaborating with team members and working with underwriters in underwriting middle market and larger ABL deals. Knowledge of commercial lending and working knowledge of ABL markets. Local knowledge specifically Tri-State area with potential market expansion. Effective organization, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills. Ability to work with team member across the bank to close and structure transactions. Strong verbal and written communication skills. History of community involvement through volunteerism and/or representation with charitable organizations. Columbia Bank offers the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory. Bonus programs. Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP). Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D). Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time. Paid Sick Time. Bank Holidays. Employees may participate in the 401k program. Schedule: This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule; 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home based on business need. Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Keywords: Columbia Bank, Clifton , Commercial Lender III, ABL, Accounting, Auditing , Fair Lawn, New Jersey