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Construction Loan Administrator

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $74,200–$126,200 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 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 time you explained a regulatory or legal change to a client and what it meant for them.

What they are checking: Ability to counsel clients on changes, which the posting names as a duty.

Describe how you stay organized when managing many active construction loans.

What they are checking: Systems for tracking draws, deadlines and documents across a busy portfolio.

How have you helped structure or negotiate a loan agreement?

What they are checking: Experience supporting loan structuring within guidelines set by bank management.

What would you do

An inspection report shows less work completed than the draw request claims. What do you do?

What they are checking: Holding funding standards and communicating clearly with the borrower and lender about the gap.

How do you handle a project that's going over budget partway through construction?

What they are checking: Ability to identify the problem early and work through balancing, equity injections or loan changes.

A client is frustrated that a draw is taking too long. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Service skill that keeps clients informed while protecting the bank's controls.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd process a construction draw request from start to funding.

What they are checking: Working knowledge of draw review, inspections, lien waivers, title updates and budget tracking.

What construction risks do you look for when underwriting with a real estate lending officer?

What they are checking: Understanding of cost overruns, contractor strength, completion risk and budget adequacy.

What's different about administering a residential construction loan versus a commercial one?

What they are checking: Range across loan types the role covers, including borrower sophistication and documentation.

Why are mechanics' lien waivers so important, and what happens if one is missing?

What they are checking: Understanding of how unpaid contractors can threaten the bank's lien position.

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The full job description

As published by Northern Trust.

About Northern Trust As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. The key responsibilities of the role include: • Administers construction loans (both commercial and residential), working with real estate lending officers to underwrite all construction risk issues. • Counsels client on emerging issues, bank products/services, legal/regulatory changes, and general environment, translating the impact on client''s activities and banking services. • Keeps abreast of current developments and market trends to better identify and service clients. • Assists in structuring and negotiating complex loan agreements according to guidelines established by senior bank and business unit management. Assists in analyzing and quantifying risk associated with the real estate development team, including sponsor, architect and contractor, project market issues, and repayment risk, including holdbacks and restrictions. • Defines and oversees the requirements for the release of funds at each stage in the construction process. Coordinates inspections to ensure repayment. • Assists in monitoring and evaluating the credit worthiness of clients and prospects which includes a written document and presentation to loan committee and credit policy to ensure a high quality loan portfolio, (i.e., KNOW YOUR CLIENT). • Assists in preparing proposals to address client needs and making sales presentations. • Travels regularly to client locations. The successful candidate will benefit from having: • In depth knowledge of finance and relevant business segment specific issues usually acquired through prior commercial real estate experience is required to manage client relationships. • Skills in negotiation, leadership, and sales are necessary to service the client relationship. Knowledge of real estate industry and construction is required to authorize release of funds. • Knowledge of applicable industry laws and regulations, usually acquired through prior lending experience or through completion of the lending program, is required to structure loans. Analytical skills are required to review credit and make recommendations. • Proficient in Excel; familiarity with banking, loan, and client management systems. 5+ years in commercial or residential real estate construction, draw administration, client servicing, and lending experience, including experience in reviewing legal documentation necessary for subject loans. #LI-LK2, #LI-Hybrid Salary Range: $74,200 - 126,200 USD Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component. Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa). Working with Us As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities. Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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