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Commercial Relationship Manager

First Financial Bank · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 16, 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 relationship you grew from a single loan into a full relationship with deposits and treasury services.

What they are checking: Whether they think in total relationship profitability rather than one transaction.

How do you prospect for new commercial clients in the Chicago market?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real approach to finding business, like centers of influence and targeted industries.

Tell me about a deal you lost on price. Would you do anything differently?

What they are checking: Whether they understand when to compete on price and when to walk away.

How do you balance hitting loan growth goals with keeping your portfolio quality high?

What they are checking: Whether they see quality as part of their job and won't chase volume at any cost.

What would you do

A good client asks for a loan that doesn't meet the bank's criteria. How do you handle that conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can say no or restructure while protecting the relationship.

How do you monitor the health of the relationships already in your portfolio?

What they are checking: Whether they watch covenants, financial reporting and warning signs instead of only chasing new deals.

How do you prepare for a first sales call with a business owner?

What they are checking: Whether they do homework on the company and industry so the call is about the client's needs.

One of your borrowers misses a covenant. What do you do in the first week?

What they are checking: Whether they act quickly, get the facts and work with credit on a plan rather than waiting.

About the work

Walk me through how you decide whether a commercial borrower is credit eligible.

What they are checking: Whether they understand cash flow, collateral, leverage and guarantor strength well enough to bring sound deals.

What makes a strong loan narrative for credit approval?

What they are checking: Whether they can present risks honestly alongside strengths so credit can make a fast, informed decision.

Here's a company with flat revenue, rising debt and a strong owner. What questions would you ask before bringing it to credit?

What they are checking: Whether they can spot weaknesses in financial trends and dig into what's behind them.

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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 Relationship Manager (“RM”) will handle multi-faceted relationships as you call on prospective and existing clients to generate loans, deposits, and fees for a geographic area. The RM will determine credit eligibility, prepare loan narratives, ensure loans meet appropriate criteria, and effectively cross-sell a wide variety of products. Responsibilities include marketing products and services, including preparing for client calls, making sales calls, and call follow-up as well as monitoring and enhancing profitability on all assigned relationships. The Relationship Manager participates in the achievement of corporate sales and service goals to build customer (external/internal) relationships and enhance shareholder value. The position will generally be located in a market hub or other high business potential. Essential Functions/Responsibilities • Develops new and expands existing client relationships by initiating business development activities, proactively reviewing client’s current and changing financial needs, and cross selling products and services. • Grows and maintains a profitable book of business (loans and deposits) to achieve individual and market goals. • Develops a comprehensive understanding of client’s needs based on the review and analysis of personal and financial data. • Qualifies prospects by collecting and analyzing financial and related data in order to determine the general credit worthiness of the prospect and the merits of the specific loan requests. • Prepares and oversees the completion of the loan approval requirements including careful underwriting of the loan so that the structure meets the needs of the borrower and the bank. Obtains appropriate approval for credit under consideration. • Recommends and negotiates the terms under which the credit will be extended to include pricing fees, costs repayment method and schedule, collateral requirements, etc. • Responsible for portfolio management including monitoring credit quality which includes past due credits, non-performing and credit exceptions, covenant compliance and credit exceptions of their active portfolio. • Actively participates and represents First Financial Bank in various community, civic and professional organizations. • Refers loans to loan committee for approval. • Responsible for understanding clients’ financial goals, provide credible advice and recommend products that fit their holistic needs. Intimately understand clients’ business priorities and refer them to other lines of business as appropriate. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job • Bachelor’s degree. • Three (3) years of proven relationship/account management experience selling banking products in the appropriate segmentation required. • 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 generate new business through a consultative sales approach. • Demonstrated sales and negotiating experience. • Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups in managing customer relationships. • Well versed in product knowledge. Preferred Knowledge and Skills Level of Complexity and Scope Degree of Independence and Decision-Making Required Supervisory Responsibilities Physical Requirements 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: $100,000/year to $126,000/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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