Agri-Business Banker

Job Description:

The Agri-Business Relationship Officer plays a pivotal role in cultivating profitable agri-business banking relationships. This will include a primary emphasis on proactively identifying and pursuing opportunities with clients. This person is instrumental in recommending and implementing financial solutions that will help clients achieve their goals. This individual should possess strong communication and agri-business development skills. This role requires understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, with basic business acumen.  

Qualifications: This person should have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent. Experience in lending and credit analysis is preferred. This person should exhibit knowledge of business financial concepts and display exceptional communication, presentation, sales, and negotiation skills. Networking with agri-business professionals and building strong relationships with existing and prospective clients is expected.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Proactively initiate, pursue, and foster new agri-business relationships by employing strategic and targeted prospecting techniques.

• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve and exceed revenue goals, fostering long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients.

• Regularly engage with agri-business clients to cultivate meaningful connections through in-depth interviews and perspective sharing. Serve as a trusted advisor, offering expert guidance on products, services, and applicable risk management solutions to enhance the client relationship. 

• Analyze financial data and craft tailored financial solutions. Negotiate and establish terms for agri-business banking relationships, while adhering to and complying with internal policies and guidelines. 

• Apply sound credit judgment to evaluate credit risks associated with prospective clients. Present comprehensive credit proposals, collaborating with credit teams for prudent risk management; ensuring credit quality and optimal loan performance.

• Stay abreast of industry trends and events that impact clients. Identify opportunities for growth and keep an eye on competitors to maintain a competitive edge.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to leverage products and services that align with clients’ financial needs and objectives. 

• Skillfully implement cross-selling strategies to earn the customer’s entire financial relationships and enhance client satisfaction and success. This includes partnering with multiple business lines to present comprehensive solutions for our clients.

• Attend pertinent loan, team, and business development meetings and actively contribute to decisions impacting the Agri-Business Banking Department.

• Act in accordance with FBT policies and procedures as set forth in the employee handbook.

• Adhere to compliance procedures and participate in required compliance training.

Compensation Grade

Salary Grade 6

First Bank & Trust is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Read our complete Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement. Applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should call Human Resources at 800.843.1552 or email hr@bankeasy.com.