JobsAssociated Bank

Small Business Relationship Manager VP

Associated Bank · Pewaukee 1400 Capitol, WI

Posted Aug 4, 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 a portfolio you managed. How many clients, what was the mix of loans and deposits, and how did you decide where to spend your time each week.

whether the candidate has actually run a portfolio with real numbers versus just handled individual accounts

Tell me about a time you grew revenue from an existing client relationship rather than just bringing in someone new. What did you spot and how did you approach it.

ability to expand relationships and cross-sell, not just hunt new business

Tell me about a deal where you had to work with a treasury management or wealth management specialist to get the client what they needed. What was your role versus theirs.

whether they can quarterback a deal across business lines without just handing it off

What's your process for building a referral network in a new market. Give me an example of a relationship that actually turned into business.

real business development track record versus generic networking talk

Tell me about a client you almost lost to a competitor bank. What happened and what did you do.

retention instincts and how they handle competitive pressure

Tell me about a time a client was upset about a decision the bank made, maybe a declined loan or a fee. How did you handle it.

how they manage difficult client conversations and whether they escalate or report complaints properly

Technical

How do you read a business's financial statements to figure out if they can support a loan request.

basic credit analysis competency, since this role feeds deals to portfolio managers

What commercial lending products have you sold or supported, and how do you decide which one fits a given business's situation.

depth of product knowledge across term loans, lines of credit, SBA, and deposit products

Describe your weekly routine for prospecting new business. How many calls or visits, and how do you track what's working.

whether their sales process is disciplined and measurable rather than reactive

Situational

A long-standing client's financials show declining cash flow but they're asking to increase their line of credit. What do you do next.

judgment on balancing client advocacy with sound credit discipline

A prospective client wants a loan structure the bank's policy doesn't support. How do you handle that conversation with them.

ability to say no and manage client relationships without damaging trust or bending policy

How do you keep compliance and risk requirements front of mind while you're also trying to hit growth goals.

awareness of regulatory obligations like BSA and suspicious activity reporting without treating them as an afterthought

You're new to this Pewaukee market. What's your plan for the first ninety days to start building a pipeline.

concrete go-to-market thinking rather than vague enthusiasm about community involvement

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Small Business Banking Relationship Manager, you'll build and grow relationships with business clients while helping them achieve their financial goals. You'll manage a portfolio of business banking customers, identify opportunities to expand relationships, and partner with internal experts to deliver tailored financial solutions. This role offers the opportunity to grow your commercial banking expertise while making a meaningful impact on clients and your local community. Key Accountabilities • Manage a portfolio of business banking clients, ensuring exceptional service, relationship retention, and portfolio growth. • Drive loan, deposit, and fee income growth by developing new business opportunities and expanding existing client relationships. • Partner with internal specialists to deliver comprehensive banking solutions, including treasury management, wealth management, private banking, and capital markets services. • Analyze client financial information and collaborate with Portfolio Managers to evaluate credit opportunities and recommend loan structures. • Develop new business through proactive outreach, referrals, centers of influence, and community networking. • Ensure all client relationships and lending activities comply with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards. • Represent Associated Bank in community organizations and business events to strengthen market presence and generate referral opportunities. Education & Experience Required • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • 2+ years of experience in commercial banking or business-to-business sales and business development. • Experience managing client relationships and achieving sales or portfolio growth goals. • Knowledge of commercial lending and business banking products. • Reliable transportation and the ability to lawfully drive, if required for the role. Preferred • Experience partnering across multiple business lines to deliver comprehensive financial solutions. • Established business development network or experience building referral relationships within the local market. • Experience analyzing financial statements and supporting commercial credit decisions. Why You'll Love Working Here At Associated Bank, you'll join a collaborative team committed to helping businesses and communities succeed. We invest in your professional growth through ongoing development opportunities, strong internal partnerships, and meaningful career advancement. 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. $67,620.00 - $115,920.00 per year

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