Job Description
Commercial Relationship Manager
(Client-Focused | Portfolio Development)
About the Role
This role is centered on one thing: relationships.
The bank is looking for a commercial lender who knows how to build trust, stay close to clients, and think proactively about their evolving needs. This is not a pure “new business” hunting role — it’s about deepening existing relationships, identifying opportunities, and being a long-term partner to clients.
You’ll work closely with leadership, including direct interaction with the CEO, to help shape strategy around key relationships and ensure the bank continues to grow alongside its clients.
What You’ll Do
- Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of commercial clients
- Proactively engage clients to understand their businesses, goals, and future plans
- Identify opportunities to expand relationships
- Collaborate with credit and operations to deliver thoughtful, well-structured solutions
- Maintain consistent, meaningful communication — not just when there’s a deal
- Partner with leadership to develop strategy around key accounts and long-term growth
- Deliver a high level of service, responsiveness, and follow-through
What They’re Looking For
- Experience in commercial banking or relationship management
- Strong relationship instincts — someone people naturally trust and want to work with
- Ability to have real business conversations, not just transactional check-ins
- A thoughtful, long-term mindset around client relationships
- Highly organized and proactive in managing a portfolio
Sales ability is a plus — but not the priority.
This is about someone who can grow relationships organically over time, not chase volume for the sake of it.
What Sets This Role Apart
This is not a “bring in a billion dollars” type of role.
The CEO is looking for someone who can:
- Be a consistent, trusted presence with clients
- Represent the bank in the market with professionalism and authenticity
- Understand where clients are going — and help the bank grow with them
You won’t be measured solely on production.
You’ll be valued for the strength and longevity of the relationships you build.
A Quick Reality Check
If your style is purely transactional — call when there’s a deal, disappear when there’s not — this won’t be the right fit.
If you take pride in being the person clients rely on, call first, and stay with long-term — you’ll do very well here.
Location & Fit
This role is ideal for someone based in — or looking to be based in — the western suburbs of Chicago.
It’s a strong fit for:
- Someone already embedded in the local market, or
- Someone currently in the city who is ready for a shift — professionally and personally — into a more community-focused role
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The Bank
A community-focused institution with a strong commercial lending presence, known for being nimble, relationship-driven, and highly collaborative. Leadership is engaged, accessible, and genuinely invested in both clients and employees.
If you'd like to chat more about the role, please reach out to Kelli Jamison at kelli@theagencyrecruiting.com or call at 773-572-2993