As a Senior Credit Officer at M&T Bank, your main responsibilities include making critical decisions on credit requests, reviewing business opportunities for risks, and ensuring sound underwriting practices. You will also participate in loan committees, manage credit situations, and mentor a team of line lenders to promote effective decision-making in line with the Bank's credit culture.

To qualify for the Senior Credit Officer position at M&T Bank, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in business, economics, or mathematics, along with at least 10 years of commercial credit and lending experience. Alternatively, a combination of higher education and work experience totaling 14 years in this field can be considered. Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to leadership are essential.

The Senior Credit Officer role at M&T Bank directly impacts profitability by ensuring that all credit decisions align with the Bank's risk appetite and by providing timely decisioning for commercial business opportunities. This role supports the development of long-term relationships with clients, which in turn promotes growth and financial stability for the Bank.

At M&T Bank, a Senior Credit Officer can expect a collaborative and inclusive work environment. The company promotes diversity and encourages feedback within teams. You will have the opportunity to engage in mentoring and leadership activities, contributing to an atmosphere that supports professional growth and strong relationships among colleagues.

The salary range for the Senior Credit Officer position at M&T Bank is between $161,714.79 and $269,524.66 annually. This range reflects a commitment to fair and competitive market-informed pay, adjusting according to individual skills, experience, and the specific location of the candidate.

When discussing your experience with credit decisioning in a commercial environment, provide specific examples of your past roles, the types of loans you have worked on, and your decision-making processes. Highlight any successful outcomes from your prior work that could translate effectively to the Senior Credit Officer role.

In responding to how you assess risk, detail your approach to analyzing financial statements, industry trends, and business models. Discuss how you identify potential red flags and your methodology for structuring loans that mitigate those risks while supporting client needs effectively.

When answering this question, share a specific example that illustrates your problem-solving skills. Discuss the context, the challenges you faced, and the steps you took to resolve the situation, emphasizing the outcome and any long-term effects it had on your client relationship or the bank's position.

Outline your mentoring style and the strategies you employ to inspire your team. This could include regular one-on-one meetings, fostering an open communication environment, and sharing your knowledge of industry best practices to help team members grow both personally and professionally.

Discuss the resources you utilize to remain informed about market trends, including industry publications, professional networks, and any continuous education efforts. Emphasize the importance of this knowledge in making informed credit decisions and providing relevant advice to clients.

Explain the significance of collaboration in the credit decision-making process. Discuss how working with other departments, such as underwriting or compliance, enhances the accuracy of credit assessments and fosters a unified approach to achieve the Bank's goals.

Address how you approach disagreements by emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. Share your methods for facilitating discussions, ensuring each voice is heard, and how you work towards consensus while maintaining a focus on the best outcome for the bank and the client.

Share your thoughts on the key qualities necessary for a successful Senior Credit Officer, such as strong analytical skills, effective communication, decisive leadership, and a deep understanding of credit risk management. Use examples from your experience to illustrate how these qualities have contributed to your past successes.

Discuss the importance of diversity in lending and how you can promote it by advocating for varied customer perspectives in decision-making. Mention strategies such as training programs, inclusive recruitment practices, and continuously evaluating lending practices to ensure fairness.

Detail your approach to compliance, including staying updated on current regulations, conducting regular reviews of lending practices, and collaborating with the compliance team to ensure all credit activities align with applicable standards and policies at M&T Bank.