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Commercial Portfolio Manager II

First Financial Bank · MI · Remote available · Full time

Posted Aug 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

Tell me about a credit narrative you wrote that changed how a deal was structured or approved.

What they are checking: Whether their written analysis actually shapes credit decisions, not just summarizes them.

Tell me about a time you caught a documentation or approval condition that was not met.

What they are checking: Whether they enforce loan documentation and credit conditions consistently.

How do you manage your time across a full portfolio of relationships with different review dates?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized so annual reviews, covenants and maturities are never missed.

What would you do

A client misses its debt service coverage covenant for the second quarter in a row. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they escalate early, understand the cause and propose a realistic path like a waiver or amendment.

The relationship manager wants to approve a renewal quickly, but you see concerns. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can push back with evidence while staying a good partner on the deal team.

About the work

Walk me through how you spread and analyze a commercial client's financial statements.

What they are checking: Whether they can move from raw statements to cash flow, leverage and trends that show real risk.

What do you look for in a client's collateral performance, and how often should it be checked?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that collateral value changes and must be monitored, not just reviewed at origination.

How do you prepare for a portfolio review so that nothing surprises the credit committee?

What they are checking: Whether they track risk rating changes, exceptions and trends ahead of time.

What do you learn from an onsite visit that you cannot learn from financial statements?

What they are checking: Whether they see client visits as a real source of risk insight, like operations, inventory and management depth.

How do you balance portfolio growth with prudent risk management?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that both goals matter and can explain trade-offs clearly.

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The full job description

As published by First Financial Bank.

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written! If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply. The Commercial Portfolio Manager (“Portfolio Manager”) is primarily responsible for managing a portfolio of assigned relationships in adherence to Bank policies and procedures and in accordance with sound risk management practices at all times. Responsibilities of portfolio management include in person client meetings, analysis and evaluation of client’s financial and collateral performance, adherence to all aspects of the Bank’s loan documentation and credit approval conditions and preparation and active participation in portfolio reviews. Portfolio managers gather, analyze, and understand financial statements and other documents to evaluate the risk of portfolio. They perform qualitative and quantitative analysis and develops narrative for submission to credit and are key members of the deal team in achieving the Bank’s goals of continued portfolio growth along with prudent risk management. Essential Functions/Responsibilities • Responsible for ongoing client relationship development and maintenance including client onsite visits and periodic client telephone visits to maintain effective knowledge of the client’s current and proposed business activities. • Expands existing client relationships by proactively reviewing client’s current and changing financial needs. • Develop a comprehensive understanding of client’s needs based on the review and analysis of personal and financial data in order to deepen current, profitable client relationships. • Responsible for maintaining the credit quality of the assigned portfolio. • Works with Credit partner(s) to: • Complete the loan approval form including careful underwriting of the loan so that the structure meets the needs of the borrower and the bank and in obtaining appropriate approval for credit under consideration; and • Reviews and evaluates monthly borrower financial and collateral performance, including spreading and analyzing financial statements and budgets, reviewing collateral trends, and verifying borrower compliance with all financial covenants and reporting requirements. • Actively participates in the new deal process, including assisting in the preparation of opportunity memos and deal models. • Integrates activities with the Collateral Monitoring Group in Credit Administration to ensure the Bank is aware of, properly maintaining, and otherwise pro-active in determining appropriate client collateral reserves, rates of advance, and other aspects impacting the Bank’s collateral position. • Prepares and actively participates in periodic portfolio reviews with management with the goal of reporting on borrower financial performance to underwritten expectations, key collateral trends, review the appropriateness of designated risk ratings, and other risk management and relationship management issues of importance. • Performs a variety of sales activities in an inside sales capacity. Proactively analyzes the portfolio to identify opportunities, mine cross-LOB opportunities and make cross-LOB referrals. Performs client prospecting duties, including client calling efforts and setting appointments. • Serves as a bridge between Credit and Sales. Analyzes the portfolio to prepare for quarterly and annual reviews. Develops spreads and risk ratings for deals in the proposal stage. Completes PLR and LCT analyses. Manages the annual renewal process, including the renewal schedule, meeting with clients, analyzing credit and client business activity, interfacing with Credit and identifying cross-sell opportunities. • Performs account administration activities. Follows up with clients to gather documentation and obtain signatures. Works with Relationship Managers and clients to clear exceptions. Conducts analysis for the monthly borrowing base to identify collection needs. • Coordinates the documentation of loan facilities with outside legal counsel to ensure and protect the Bank’s rights and remedies to properly secure and collect the Bank’s outstanding loans. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job • Bachelor's degree. • 7 years of Commercial banking and/or Credit Underwriting experience. • Experience with Excel, Word and PowerPoint. • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and presentation skills. • Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks. • Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups in managing customer relationships. Preferred Knowledge and Skills Level of Complexity and Scope • Uses judgement on what structure and covenants should apply. • Uses judgment during deal screens to either eliminate or enforce certain requirements. Degree of Independence and Decision-Making Required Supervisory Responsibilities • May be responsible for directly managing Market Support Specialist(s) Physical Requirements • Occasionally lifts and carries up to 10 lbs. • Frequently stands and sits • Periodic travel including client visits. May also attend industry trade shows and/or conferences. Compliance Statement The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements. Development and Training Pay Range: $130,000/year to $138,000/year Benefits We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide . Incentive Eligibility All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions. It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an E-Verify Employer.

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