Senior Relationship Manager, Franchise Finance

About the role

• Position Title
• Senior Relationship Manager, Franchise Finance
• Location
• Nationwide, MI 48098

Job Summary

The Senior Relationship Manager, Franchise Finance within Specialized Industries is responsible for originating new business and managing complex client relationships across the restaurant and fitness sectors, with a primary focus on franchisees, franchisors, and chain brands.

The role serves as a trusted advisor to large and middle-market operators, leveraging deep industry expertise, market intelligence, and strong network connections to deliver tailored banking and credit solutions that align with the bank’s risk framework, growth objectives, and capabilities.

The Senior Relationship Manager leads all aspects of relationship strategy, business development, deal origination, structuring, and portfolio oversight while partnering closely with product, credit, risk, and operational teams to drive profitable growth, maintain portfolio quality, and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Job Responsibilities

• New Business Origination: Develops and maintains relationships to generate direct deal flow. Position will be focused on generating new business that focuses on the entire banking relationship; Coordinates the team approach to approving and closing new deals to grow assets and revenues while optimizing profitability (ROE). Responsible for the origination, negotiation, structuring, pricing, underwriting, and closing of loans. Manages a complex commercial loan portfolio ensuring the highest loan quality for the organization with minimal risk. Manages the on-going monitoring of portfolio quality and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines. May mentor and assist less experienced Relationship Managers.
• Credit Quality and Onboarding: Works with assigned portfolio managers to ensure pro-active monitoring of the credit quality of the portfolio through timely financial statement gathering, monitoring client’s compliance with ongoing required reporting, properly analyzing financial information and taking or recommending appropriate corrective actions based on acceptable levels. Ultimately responsible for managing the banks risk exposure to acceptable levels. Collaborating with Credit team and outside counsel as needed to prepare credit approval documents and managing onboarding process to ensure transactions are booked appropriately.
• Relationship Management: Works with assigned portfolio managers, engage with sponsors and borrowers on idea generation and relevant opportunities to expand our relationship.
• Maintaining Knowledge: Stays abreast of industry trends and market conditions that could impact the assigned portfolio of relationships and borrowers.
• Represents the bank at relevant industry forums and conferences, leveraging insights on market, competitive, regulatory, and client trends to inform strategy, guide internal decision making, and proactively adjust coverage approaches and solution priorities in a changing environment.
• Uses independent judgement and discretion to make decisions.
• Analyzes and resolves problems.
• Performs special projects, and additional duties and responsibilities as required.
• Consistently adheres to regulatory and compliance policies and standards linked to the job as listed and complete required compliance trainings. Accountable to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Education level required: Undergraduate Degree (4 years or equivalent) in business, finance or related field.
• Minimum experience required: 10+ Years as a Franchise Finance Relationship Manager.
• Credit training preferred.

Job Competencies

• Expert knowledge of commercial lending credit, underwriting and loan structuring skills.
• Expert analytical skills to understand financial and cash flow analyses.
• Highly developed negotiation skills in addition to excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience utilizing a calling strategy to actively call on prospects/clients and establish a personally-developed network of clients and potential clients to source deals through various centers of influence.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including; Word and Excel.
• Demonstrates a strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders by communicating clearly, engaging in proactive collaboration, and leveraging cross functional insights. Aligns relationship building efforts with enterprise goals to accelerate performance and drive strategic results.
• Builds trusted client relationships, whether internal or external, by identifying needs and delivering tailored solutions to enhance the overall client experience.
• Fosters or supports a positive work culture and productive work environment, displaying importance of effective relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Some travel may be required.
• Physical demands (ADA): The job requires a moderate degree of physical exertion and stamina such as standing, sitting, walking, driving or infrequent lifting.