Senior Commercial Loan Relationship Associate

At OceanFirst Bank, each one of our employees plays an important role in delivering value to our customers and executing daily tasks in accordance with our core values. We recognize that our employees are essential to our success, making OceanFirst a great place to work and do business. Great benefits include: Hybrid schedule after initial onboarding has been completed (4 days in office, 1 day remote), employee perks & discount programs, tuition assistance, incentive compensation program, professional development opportunities, and more! Apply today to #BecomeOceanFirst and make an impact in the local community! ABOUT YOUR ROLE Provide support to the Commercial Lending team's customer facing activities including the administration of various loan closing support tasks, portfolio account monitoring and reporting, and high-level customer service, including problem resolution and/or escalation. At the discretion of the Relationship Associate Team Lead, direct the job functions of the Commercial Loan Relationship Associates (RA). WHAT YOU WILL DO 1. In concert with the Commercial Lender and Closing Administrator, administer the customer facing loan closing process for new, modified and renewal loan facilities, including the loan closing coordination and, ensuring all required documentation is received and processed. These responsibilities include the independent calculations for loan disbursement, escrow and wiring functions. The Senior RA will be assigned to support the RM with complex commercial loan transactions and to work with the Closing Department to clear requirements to close. 2. Provide customer service to all current and prospective commercial lending customers. Research and resolve or delegate customer inquiries and issues and/or escalate to the appropriate RM as necessary. 3. Monitor clients' accounts, conduct initial research and delegate and monitor the loan servicing departments resolution of operational and transactional issues and inquiries, including payment and billing, overdrawn and uncollected accounts, past dues, account transfers, payments, pay offs, wire transfers, and advances. Provide updates and feedback directly to customers. 4. Assist RMs or work independently to track and resolve post closing exception deliverables. 5. Coordinate the ordering and tracking of required environmental and appraisal reports; ensure communication to Closing staff and update the electronic loan files as needed. 6. Assist the Team Leader with the tracking and reporting of the team's loan and deposit production. 7. Manage and/or provide assistance with the management of customer portfolios including collection of financial information, advances on lines of credit, coordination of loan payoffs and paydowns and other information to be collected for loan renewal and modification. 8. Manage the customers' needs with respect to treasury management, wires and other transactions at the direction of the Team Lead and/or RMs. 9. At the direction of the Team Leader, may coordinate schedules of the RAs. 10. Assist the Team Leader with training of new RAs. 11. At the direction of the Team Leader, act as a liaison between Commercial and other internal departments supporting the commercial lending customers. 12. May be asked to participate in special projects requiring the input of an RA under the direction of the Team Lead or Regional President. 13. Assist with updating of the Relationship Associate process and procedures as needed. WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU Sound understanding of the Bank's commercial lending process. Working knowledge of loan closing process, from interim sheet through to closing. Understanding of general lending compliance specifically as related to commercial lending. Understanding of general lending compliance specifically as related to commercial lending. Strong customer service skills with the ability to independently research and resolve customer issues. Strong basic math skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Outlook, Knowledge of banking core and sales tracking systems such as Premier and SalesForce a plus. Communicate clearly and accurately in verbal and written format. Interact in a pleasant, cooperative, and timely manner with internal and external personnel at all levels in order to maintain a positive company image. Demonstrated ability to organize time, resources, and set priorities to accomplish multiple duties and maintain efficient workflow. Ability to maintain and report on confidential information in an appropriate manner. Ability to perform administrative duties: process administrative details in order to solve office problems (e.g. scheduling conflicts, supply delays, information flow), and maintain effective office operation. YOUR QUALIFICATIONS 5-7 years' experience in banking or financial services industry, with a minimum of 2 years' experience in commercial lending/ environment. High school diploma or equivalent is required. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS Frequent external contacts with customers, prospects and referral sources. Internal contacts include Commercial Credit, Loan Servicing, Closing Department and Retail Customer Service. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Office environment. Ability to operate computer. Ability to communicate in order to exchange simple to complex information with individuals and groups. Ability to travel throughout Bank footprint.