Small Business Relationship Manager VP
Posted Aug 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
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
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Associated Bank.
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