JobsAssociated Bank

Relationship Manager - Commercial Banking

Associated Bank · Chicago 525 Monroe, IL

Posted Jun 14, 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 how you've built and managed a portfolio of commercial middle market clients. How big was it and what did growth look like under your watch?

whether the candidate has actually run a comparable book of business and can speak concretely about scale and results

Tell me about a time you brought in a new commercial relationship from a cold prospect. How did you find them and what got them to say yes?

real business development skill versus reliance on inherited relationships

How do you build and use a network of centers of influence to generate referrals?

whether they have an actual repeatable prospecting system, not just a list of contacts

Tell me about a time you had to partner with a specialist team, like wealth or capital markets, to close a deal. What was your role versus theirs?

collaboration style and whether they can quarterback a deal without overstepping specialist expertise

Tell me about a client relationship that started to go sideways, maybe a covenant breach or a payment issue. How did you handle it?

how they manage difficult client conversations and protect the bank's position

What's an example of how you've stayed visible in the local business community, and did it ever actually turn into business?

authenticity of their community involvement and whether it produces real pipeline

Technical

Say you're reviewing a loan request and the client's financials show declining margins but strong cash flow. How do you approach structuring that credit and what would you bring to Portfolio Management?

credit analysis judgment and ability to balance risk with client needs

What financial statement red flags make you slow down or push back on a deal, even if the relationship matters to you?

credit discipline and willingness to say no under relationship pressure

What's your process for staying on top of portfolio administration and making sure covenants, renewals, and credit quality stay in line with policy?

attention to compliance and operational discipline, not just deal-making

Situational

How do you approach cross-selling treasury management or capital markets products into a lending relationship without it feeling like an upsell?

ability to identify client needs and coordinate with specialists rather than just pitch products

A long-standing client wants to expand their credit line but their industry is showing stress signs. How do you have that conversation with them?

how they balance client advocacy with honest risk communication

How do you think about serving companies at the $25 million-plus revenue level differently than smaller businesses you may have worked with?

whether they understand the complexity and sophistication of true middle-market clients

If you noticed unusual activity in a client's account that raised a red flag, what would you do?

awareness of BSA and suspicious activity reporting obligations and willingness to follow through despite client relationship

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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. As a Relationship Manager, you will grow and manage a portfolio of commercial middle market clients while ensuring a high-quality credit and client experience. You’ll deepen existing relationships, bring in new business, and partner closely with specialists across the bank. This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful impact in a growing market and build long-term client partnerships. Key Accountabilities • Manage a portfolio of commercial middle market loan, deposit, and fee income growth. • Develop new business through consistent calling efforts, centers of influence, and proactive prospecting. • Partner with internal teams to cross-sell treasury management, capital markets, wealth, and other non-credit products. • Analyze financial data to evaluate loan requests, recommend credit structures, and participate in the approval process with Portfolio Management. • Ensure portfolio administration and credit quality align with Associated Bank policies, regulatory standards, and risk guidelines. • Provide financial guidance to clients using market insights and bank-approved resources. • Represent the bank in community and business organizations, building referral networks and elevating Associated Bank’s presence. • Identify client needs and refer opportunities across business lines to deepen relationships. Education & Experience Required • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent experience • 8+ years commercial banking or B2B sales experience • Strong credit analysis skills • Proven success in business development, client management, and cross-selling commercial banking solutions • Knowledge of treasury management and other non-borrowing products Preferred • Experience serving corporate middle-market clients ($25MM+ revenue) • Active community involvement and established COI networks Why You’ll Love Working Here At Associated Bank, you’ll join a people-first culture where your expertise, voice, and growth matter. You’ll partner with talented colleagues, build meaningful client relationships, and help fuel economic growth in the communities we serve. Apply today to grow your career and make an impact with us. 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. $99,470.00 - $170,520.00 per year

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