Head of SBA Franchise LendingDepartment: SBA LendingEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: RemoteDescriptionGrasshopper Bank is a client-first, digital bank built for the business and innovation economy, with an obsession for providing leading-edge technology, solutions-driven products and superior service through a combination of passionate people and digital resources.We are a highly experienced team who pride ourselves on diversity of thought and perspective. Nationally chartered, our portfolio of products and services range from VC, PE & Portfolio Companies to SBA Lending, as well as direct SMB and Embedded Banking.Our entrepreneurial drive allows us to support the growth and success of a wide range of clients at every stage of their business through inclusive partnership. We seek out team members who will enable both our organization and our people to grow and thrive through collaboration and acting with integrity and respect.Our focus on cross-functional teamwork provides a culture where ideas are valued, accountability is encouraged, and successes are celebrated. We welcome all those searching for the opportunity to contribute to banking innovation that influences and supports the emerging digital world of Financial Services.Our digital first approach enables our teams the flexibility to work remotely. We have offices in NYC and Boston.What you'll do:This role, as a key driver in SBA franchise lending, will involve actively engaging with applicants, franchise owners, and stakeholders throughout the loan application process. You'll ensure franchise businesses receive dedicated support tailored to their unique requirements under the SBA 7(a).Responsibilities include:
- Create and oversee the strategic direction for the SBA franchise lending division, aligning with the bank's overall goals
- Identify market opportunities for franchise lending and create strategies to capture market share
- Establish and manage growth targets, loan production goals, and profitability metrics for the SBA franchise lending portfolio
- Build relationships with franchise owners, franchisors, and other referral partners to drive loan origination
- Collaborate with franchise networks to create preferred lending programs
- Cultivate new business opportunities through industry events, partnerships, and marketing initiatives
- Ensure efficient and compliant processing of SBA loans, particularly for franchisees
- Ensure adherence to SBA regulations, bank policies, and franchise-specific lending guidelines
- Monitor portfolio risk and establish practices to mitigate default rates and maintain portfolio health
- Manage the profitability of the SBA franchise lending division, balancing growth with risk and operational efficiency
- Work with finance teams to develop competitive pricing and loan structures tailored for franchise businesses
- Regularly analyze loan production data and team performance metrics to provide updates to senior management on the division's performance, challenges, and opportunities
- Enhance the borrower experience by optimizing communication and providing tailored financial solutions; address escalations or challenges in the lending process to maintain high customer satisfaction; represent the bank at franchise conferences, trade shows, and SBA-related events
- Partner and direct cross-functionally to help internal stakeholders deliver services efficiently and effectively to the market in line with the Bank's Core Values
What you need:
- SBA Franchise Lending Expertise: 10+ years of direct SBA franchise lending and sales management experience, ideally with a focus on 7(a) loans for national franchise operators
- Proven track record in franchise lending: Demonstrated success in closing over $50 million in SBA 7(a) loans for franchise borrowers within the last two years
- Comprehensive knowledge of SBA franchise eligibility criteria and experience working with the SBA Franchise Directory
- Experience leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.