Location:

1 N Wacker Drive, Chicago Illinois

Job Summary

The Senior Banker serves as the Trusted Advisor for clients and prospects who are primarily active real estate owners, investors and developers. Senior Bankers provide comprehensive financial advice and solutions that enable the clients to meet their financial objectives and utilize the full breadth of Key's product platform which includes traditional bank products, investment banking and capital markets executions. Senior Bankers also drive the financial performance of the team through profitable revenue growth, active portfolio management and a strong risk management discipline by selectively targeting and developing new business relationships while actively deepening existing client relationships. Senior Banker also serves in a leadership role, mentoring junior team members, overseeing the successful execution of larger and complex transactions as the deal team leader, and embodying Key values.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Trusted Advisor to clients by developing a clear and holistic understanding of the client or prospect’s business through analysis of their management practices, portfolio dynamics, and business strategy, in the context of the current industry/economic climate, and then crafting value-added solutions, ideas and advice. Viewed by the client as a valued business partner (financial strategist).
• Provides the client with knowledge and access to the breadth of Key’s product platform which includes; investment banking, interim and permanent credit facilities, cash management, interest rate management, syndications, debt capital markets, deposits, leasing, private banking, equipment finance, etc.
• Possesses sufficient product knowledge to educate the client on Key’s capabilities, effectively identifies potential opportunities and facilitates the introduction and coordination of product partners.
• Serves as deal team leader, coordinating the efforts of one or more Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers and/or other partners.
• Structures and leads credit and non-credit product delivery consistent with the LOB strategy while demonstrating sound risk management and maximizing risk adjusted returns on shareholder capital (assess the materiality of risks and appropriately mitigate/match with transaction return expectations).
• Proactively manages a loan portfolio to both maximize profitability and ensure strong asset quality through consistent and timely identification and resolution of issues as well as accurate assessment and assignment of loan risk ratings. Resolves out-of-balance and/or other default situations which may occur in the portfolio.
• Partners effectively with Credit, Product Partners, Servicing, and other partners identify cross-sell opportunities and deepen client relationships as well as solve internal obstacles and deliver a seamless execution.
• Develops focused strategies for retaining, growing, acquiring and in some cases exiting client relationships based on the business strategy.
• Demonstrates functional, technical and credit expertise and effectively transfers this knowledge to team members; provides coaching and mentoring to others within the organization.
• Takes an active role in onboarding and training new team members and partners.
• Enables successful execution by embracing all business development processes and proactively identifies and communicates areas for continuous improvement.
• Participates in community and professional organizations which enhance our expertise and profile.
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance or related field (preferred)
• OR equivalent experience (required)

Work Experience

• 10+ years of real estate lending experience, including through a real estate downcycle. (required)
• A proven understanding of the importance of balancing business development and asset quality/risk management (required)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team to maximize the skills and capabilities of all team members to both deliver comprehensive solutions to our clients and achieve team’s financial and risk management goals (required)
• Master of Business Administration (preferred)
• Experience working as a credit underwriter, credit officer and/or as a workout manager (preferred)
• Experience in a product role, such as commercial mortgage, subordinated debt or investment banking (preferred)

Skills

• Excellent business development skills
• Deep knowledge of bank products
• Outstanding credit skills, analytical skills, and financial acumen
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal savvy- able to build rapport and effectively communicate at multiple levels within the client organization and with COIs and internal partners.
• Idea generator
• Able to develop and stand up for their point of view
• Demonstrates strong bias for action
• Proactive, intuitive thinker (know how things will work before all the facts are in)
• Business acumen beyond financial acumen. Able to proactively identify client needs and offer solutions. Demonstrates sound business judgment/practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically (creatively and strategically) to arrive at multiple potential ways to achieve identified client goals.
• Self-confident enough to be able to work independently and to know when to call in team of experts. Understands how to best utilize a team.
• Able to make difficult decisions
• Quick learner
• Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; able to effectively balance client maintenance and portfolio management responsibilities with need to proactively prospect for new clients; Can attend to a broad range of activities and keep projects/tasks moving forward within a reasonable and quick timeframe, if necessary.

Core Competencies

• All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

• General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Travel

• Occasional travel to include overnight stay.

Work Location Category

• Hybrid (Sales)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $128,000.00 - $268,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives. Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 06/30/2026

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.

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