As a Lead Credit Review Officer at M&T Bank, your primary responsibilities will include independently leading standard and targeted portfolio reviews, assessing the credit quality, and providing recommendations on risk ratings. Your role will also involve analyzing financial data to ascertain the borrower’s ability to repay and collaborating with relationship managers to ensure that loan reviews are thorough and accurate.

To qualify for the Lead Credit Review Officer position, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and at least 5 years of experience in commercial or consumer credit, lending, finance, or related areas. Additionally, strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

At M&T Bank, a Lead Credit Review Officer can expect ample opportunities for career advancement. After gaining valuable experience in credit risk management, you could progress to management roles, such as Credit Review Manager, where you'd oversee larger teams and strategic initiatives. Continuous professional development and mentorship are also part of the growth journey.

M&T Bank is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. As a Lead Credit Review Officer, you’ll not only be expected to promote these values within your team but also benefit from initiatives aimed at supporting diversity in hiring and team dynamics, ensuring a robust and innovative workplace culture.

A Lead Credit Review Officer at M&T Bank will work remotely, allowing for flexibility while maintaining close collaboration with the team and upper management. Daily tasks will involve reviewing credit risks through digital systems, engaging in team meetings, and communicating regularly with stakeholders to maintain the integrity and quality of the loan portfolios.

In your response, describe a systematic approach where you break down financial data, evaluate collateral, and assess the borrower’s repayment capability. Highlight specific techniques or tools you've used to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

Be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you identified credit risks, the steps you took to mitigate those risks, and the outcomes of your actions. Emphasize your understanding of credit policies and regulatory compliance.

Share examples of past experiences where you simplified financial data and reports for stakeholders. You could mention visual aids, clear explanations, or how you tailor your message based on your audience's level of understanding.

Discuss your time management skills, mentioning tools or methods you utilize to prioritize and manage your workload effectively. Provide an example of a project where you successfully completed tasks within a tight timeframe.

Focus on the importance of accurate data analysis, adherence to banking regulations, effective communication with team members, and thorough documentation. Highlight how each factor contributes to a successful review process.

Provide a specific example of how you supported a colleague, focusing on your leadership skills and ability to foster a positive learning environment. Highlight the outcomes of your mentorship.

Discuss your approach to constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of open communication, data-driven discussions, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure the best outcomes for your team.

Explain your familiarity with regulatory requirements and how you incorporate them into your daily tasks. Provide examples of how you’ve remained compliant in past roles.

Share an experience where you identified a critical credit risk, detailing your analysis and the actions you took to address it, including how you escalated the issue to appropriate management levels.

Emphasize your proactive approach to professional development, whether through attending industry seminars, participating in webinars, or following regulatory bodies. Mention how this knowledge has impacted your work positively.