Director, Lending

Director, Lending

Location: Denver, CO (In-Office)

Job Type: Full-time Exempt

Salary: $154,000 - $263,000/YR *Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 02/28/2026.

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You're a strategic lending leader who understands how products, process, and portfolio management work together to drive growth. You bring strong lending and credit fundamentals, a commercial mindset, and the ability to remove friction so bankers can win business faster. You're comfortable leading teams, analyzing data, and partnering cross-functionally to balance growth with sound risk practices. If you thrive in roles where execution, influence, and results matter, this role is for you.

The Director of Lending leads the strategy and execution of First Western's lending products to support new business growth and improve the client experience. This role partners closely with Sales, Credit, Operations, and Risk to streamline the lending process and ensure deals move efficiently from opportunity to close. You'll oversee portfolio performance to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities while improving systems, tools, and workflows. Through product leadership and operational discipline, this role strengthens revenue growth and First Western's competitive position.

• Set lending product strategy by evaluating client needs, market trends, and competitive insights to support banker success and new business growth.

• Partner with Relationship Bankers and Sales leaders to advance deals, resolve bottlenecks, and provide guidance on loan structures and product options.

• Monitor loan portfolio data to identify growth opportunities, cross-sell potential, and early risk trends.

• Lead the Lending Portfolio Management team to deliver timely, accurate support that improves banker productivity and client experience.

• Improve lending processes and technology, including BakerHill, to reduce cycle times from application to closing.

• Coordinate with Credit, Operations, and Risk to align lending strategy with safe, compliant banking practices across core and specialty lending areas.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of experience in lending and portfolio management with credit analysis exposure.
• Strong knowledge of lending products, credit fundamentals, loan operations, and market dynamics.
• Experience with construction lending, appraisal processes, and basic swap concepts.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Ability to lead through change, manage competing priorities, and drive results.

• Competitive base salary: $154,000 - $263,000/YR, plus strong bonus potential.
  
  
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
  
  
• Paid parking and transportation benefits.
  
  
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:
  
  
  
  
  • Health savings accounts (HSA)
    
    
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
    
    
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Generous paid time off and bank holidays.
  
  
• Access to training and professional development programs.
  
  
• Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.
  
  
• A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.

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At First Western Trust, we're more than just a financial institution-we're a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other's successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you're just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what's right-always.

If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email Talent.Management@myfw.com.

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.