Relationship Manager

Relationship Manager

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of a Relationship Manager I or Relationship Manager II to join our California Lending and Insurance department in Tulare, California. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Portfolio Manager and is accountable for supporting the provision of high quality, profitable, and constructive credit and related services to customers.

After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Employees are expected to continue working from their office location a minimum of 50% or 60% of the time depending on location.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Tulare, California is:

Level I: Typical starting range: $70,800 - $95,500 Full base salary range: $70,800 - $107,700 Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Level II: Typical starting range: $78,000 - $107,500 Full base salary range: $78,000 - $134,400 Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

Job Requirements

• Market and sell products including loans and financially related services; establish rapport with and develop and maintain confidence of customers and prospective customers.
• Complete visits to customers' operations and document observations; this may include visually inspecting the condition and value of loan collateral and evaluate customers' management practices and expected repayment.
• Make quality credit decisions to ensure customer service, a high-quality loan portfolio and loan administration.
• Monitor loan performance and proactively service and manage assigned accounts with the objective of providing efficient customer service and maximizing return; this may include coordination with other teams and portfolio groups.
• Prepare credit analysis and submit recommendations to supervisor or loan committee for action; approve loans within delegated authority.
• Gather financial information through interviews in person and by phone, read audited financial statements, legal opinions, tax records and other financials; comply with documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Assist in credit investigations on applicants including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification and asset and liability verification.
• Participate in loan closings by ensuring the appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer.
• Ensure a high degree of credit administration by developing and implementing sales/servicing plans and coordinating actions with credit analysts and loan specialists.
• Communicate with other groups and teams to ensure timely transfers between portfolio groups to meet customer service needs and organization objectives.
• Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of the organization to employees, customers, the public, and other target audiences by joining or actively supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups or commodity groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read or learn to read audited financial statements, legal opinions, tax records and other financials
• Ability to establish rapport with, and develop and maintain the confidence of, customers and prospective customers
• Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate terms on behalf of the organization for low complexity and smaller size relationships, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to travel to perform certain required duties
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Requirements

• Working knowledge of finance and accounting principles
• General understanding of credit related laws and regulations

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.