Government Guaranteed Lending Relationship Manager

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ABOUT THE ROLE

The Government Guaranteed Lending Relationship Manager supports a designated region by expanding and managing Small Business Administration (SBA) lending activity, including 504 and 7(a) loan programs. This role serves as a key partner to Relationship Managers, SBA partners, Credit, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) teams, and external partners to structure compliant, value‑added financing solutions for commercial clients.

This position plays a critical role in identifying CRA‑eligible opportunities, strengthening partnerships with Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and driving SBA referral activity in support of regional growth and client outcomes.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities for this role are below; you may support projects of varying complexity based on skill and organizational priorities.

SBA Lending & Subject Matter Expertise:
Serve as a regional subject matter expert for SBA 504 and 7(a) lending, supporting deal origination, structuring, eligibility analysis, and execution in alignment with SBA guidelines and internal credit policy.

Deal Structuring & Banker Support:
Partner with Relationship Managers to structure transactions, assess client eligibility, and position SBA solutions to enhance client outcomes and ensure compliant credit delivery.

Client Engagement:
Participate in client discussions to evaluate financing needs and present government guaranteed lending solutions that support business growth and capital access.

Referral Generation & Business Development:
Maintain and achieve assigned SBA referral goals through proactive engagement with bankers, driving qualified referrals, submissions, and funded loan volume.

Partner & Ecosystem Relationship Management:
Build and maintain strong working relationships with Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and SBA ecosystem partners to facilitate transaction execution and expand referral channels.

CRA Identification & Alignment:
Identify and support CRA‑eligible opportunities within both conventional and SBA pipelines, partnering with Relationship Managers and CRA teams to ensure proper qualification, documentation, and reporting.

Pipeline Management & Reporting:
Track and manage SBA referrals, applications, and funded loans at the regional level, ensuring data accuracy and visibility into performance against goals.

Internal Collaboration:
Partner with Credit, SBA Operations, CRA, Compliance, and Legal teams to ensure efficient execution and adherence to policy and regulatory requirements.

Training & Capability Building:
Provide training and coaching to Relationship Managers to enhance SBA knowledge, utilization, and confidence in delivering government guaranteed solutions.

Continuous Improvement:
Support ongoing enhancement of SBA and CRA processes, tools, and client experience to drive efficiency and scalability.

Other Duties: Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team’s and the company’s mission.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience in commercial lending, SBA lending, or government guaranteed credit support
• Working knowledge of SBA 504 and 7(a) lending programs
• Understanding of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations and eligibility considerations
• Demonstrated ability to partner with Relationship Managers and cross-functional stakeholders in a regional banking environment

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 5+ years of relevant experience), in:

• SBA Lending Expertise: Knowledge of SBA 504 and 7(a) program structures, eligibility requirements, and compliance considerations
• Credit & Structuring Acumen: Ability to analyze transactions and structure compliant, client-focused financing solutions
• Relationship Management: Strong ability to build partnerships across bankers, CDCs, and internal stakeholders
• Communication & Influence: Effective communication skills to advise, educate, and influence stakeholders across varying levels
• Pipeline & Performance Management: Ability to manage referral pipelines, track performance metrics, and meet production goals

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:

Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 5+ years of relevant experience), across a suite of skills including, but not limited to:

• Business Development Orientation: Proactively identifies opportunities to expand SBA utilization and drive regional growth
• Collaboration & One Bank Mindset: Works effectively across lines of business to deliver integrated client solutions
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates complex credit scenarios and identifies optimal structuring approaches
• Execution & Accountability: Delivers high-quality outcomes with strong attention to detail, timeliness, and compliance
• Adaptability: Navigates evolving regulatory requirements and business priorities with flexibility

DOING THE RIGHT THING:

Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets —including you.

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner. 

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting.  Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third.  Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.