JobsAssociated Bank

Asset Based Lending Team Leader

Associated Bank · Chicago 525 Monroe, WI

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through your background in asset-based lending and the size and makeup of the portfolios you've managed.

whether the candidate's scale and complexity of experience actually matches this book of business

Tell me about the largest team you've led, five or more direct reports, and how you split your time between coaching them and staying hands-on with credit decisions.

real leadership span versus individual contributor habits that don't scale

Describe a time you had a client whose financial health was deteriorating. What did you see first, and what did you do about it?

early-warning judgment and whether they act before losses mount

Tell me about a challenged or workout credit you were personally involved in. What was your strategy and how did it play out?

experience handling distressed situations, not just healthy portfolio management

Give me an example of a time you had to have a hard performance conversation with someone on your team. What was the issue and how did you approach it?

willingness and skill to manage underperformance directly rather than avoid it

Tell me about a time you identified an opportunity to deepen a client relationship beyond the existing loan, maybe cross-selling another banking solution. How did that come about?

business development instincts and collaboration with broader relationship teams

Technical

How do you think about borrowing base structures and collateral monitoring for an ABL facility, and what red flags in a borrowing base certificate make you pick up the phone?

depth of actual ABL mechanics knowledge, not just general commercial lending

How do you structure your team's due diligence process from initial review through closing so nothing gets missed when deals move fast?

process discipline and ability to coordinate internal and external parties on complex transactions

What's your approach to setting risk mitigation plans when a client's business conditions shift, say a downturn in their industry or a customer concentration problem?

structured thinking on risk management beyond reactive firefighting

Situational

One of your Relationship Managers wants to push through a renewal on a credit that's slipping, and the client is pressuring for a fast answer. How do you handle that conversation with your RM and with the client?

ability to balance credit discipline against relationship and revenue pressure

A regulator flags an issue in a portfolio review that touches on your team's compliance with lending policy. What's your first move?

regulatory instincts and whether they lead with transparency or defensiveness

How do you evaluate whether a Portfolio Manager or RM is ready to take on more complex or higher-risk accounts?

judgment in developing talent and matching risk exposure to capability

How would you handle disagreement between yourself and a Relationship Manager over the right account management strategy for a client?

how they resolve internal conflict while keeping final credit authority clear

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The full job description

As published by Associated Bank.

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you. Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires. The Asset Based Lending (ABL) Team Leader leads a team responsible for managing asset-based lending relationships and portfolios, delivering high-quality underwriting, credit monitoring, and portfolio management to support client retention, relationship growth, and portfolio quality. This role provides leadership to Relationship Managers and Portfolio Managers while helping drive strategic business objectives, credit excellence, and client-focused lending solutions. Key Accountabilities • Lead and develop a team of lending professionals, providing coaching, performance management, hiring support, and ongoing professional development. • Oversee portfolio administration and credit risk management to ensure compliance with lending policies, business strategies, and regulatory requirements. • Analyze and guide credit decisions, recommending appropriate account management strategies and risk mitigation plans based on client performance and business conditions. • Coordinate due diligence activities and partner with internal and external stakeholders throughout the lending process, from initial review through closing. • Monitor portfolio performance, loan repayment activity, and client financial health to maintain strong credit quality and proactively address emerging risks. • Manage renewals, portfolio reviews, and credit solution delivery while supporting improvements that enhance client service and operational effectiveness. • Collaborate with relationship teams and business partners to deepen client relationships and identify opportunities for additional banking solutions. • Serve as a client-facing leader on complex transactions, amendments, and challenged credits, helping teams develop strategies that support successful outcomes. Education & Experience Required • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • 10+ years of experience in asset-based lending, commercial banking, or corporate banking lending. • 10+ years of demonstrated success achieving portfolio quality and business development objectives. • 7+ years of leadership experience, preferably managing teams of five or more direct reports. • Access to reliable transportation and the ability to lawfully drive, if applicable. Preferred • Experience leading teams of Relationship Managers and Portfolio Managers within an asset-based lending environment. Why You’ll Love Working Here This is an opportunity to lead a high-impact team that plays a critical role in delivering lending solutions, managing portfolio performance, and supporting client growth. You’ll partner with experienced banking professionals, influence strategic business decisions, and help shape the future direction of a growing asset-based lending business. Apply today to make an impact. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience. In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life.  • Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans.  • Paid time off to volunteer in your community.  • Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups.  • Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities.  • Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.   • Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits.  Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest. Join our community on  Facebook ,  LinkedIn  and  X .   Compliance Statement Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR. Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank’s anonymous Ethics Hotline. Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact  leavesandaccommodations@associatedbank.com  if you need an accommodation at any time during the process. Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice  English or Spanish . Know Your Right to Work  English  or  Spanish . Associated Bank is Pay Transparency  compliant. The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role. For certain positions, total compensation may also include incentive, commission, or bonus opportunities not reflected in the posted base pay range. $157,150.00 - $269,400.00 per year

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