Credit Officer II

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond, we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions. We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVES

This position is primarily responsible for managing the Bank’s credit risk through the prudent and sound use of delegated loan approval authority. The Credit Officer II analyzes loan requests, renewals and modifications (prepared jointly by Credit Analysts, Portfolio Managers, and Relationship Managers) to determine the likelihood of repayment, ensure that loan terms, structure, covenants and conditions are appropriate, arrive at a final approve/decline decision, and assign an appropriate risk rating. The Credit Officer II must be well‑versed in sound lending principles, the Bank’s loan policy, and current Federal and state laws and regulations. The Credit Officer II is expected to proactively identify and communicate ideas for improving the credit administration process and acts as a commercial lending and credit mentor, coach, and liaison to teammates across the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position is expected to perform the duties, tasks, and responsibilities as outlined below:

• Read, analyze and synthesize large amounts of information (e.g., spreads, credit memorandums, financial statements, audits, loan documents, leases, appraisal and environmental reports, etc.)
• Perform relevant underwriting calculations and financial statement ratios
• Know and stay abreast of economic conditions
• Determine appropriate loan amounts and credit limits
• Coordinate approvals with Relationship Managers
• Supervise underwriters to verify correct completion of duties
• Approve credits within nCino and maintain accurate credit files
• Follow strict confidentiality procedures
• Ensure risk ratings are appropriately assigned during the new loan/renewal approval process
• Perform duties within established service level agreements (SLAs)
• Coach, mentor and develop staff (i.e., Portfolio Managers)
• Drive strict compliance with the Bank’s policies, procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines
• Assist other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions
• Participate in marketing endeavors/efforts
• Continuously update skills through Bank and third‑party training
• All other tasks, responsibilities or duties, as directed by management

COMPETENCIES

• Active listening skills (including the ability to listen to others without interruption, seek genuine understanding, and propose relevant ideas)
• Patient and willing to help internal and external stakeholders solve problems while maintaining a positive attitude
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Composure under pressure
• Inclination to lead, organize, and develop within sphere of influence
• Well‑organized, accurate, and attentive to detail
• Able to type at a pace of roughly 20 words per minute
• Proficient with a financial calculator and standard office machines
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suites and any software utilized in the department
• Efficient computer use and ability to learn new software programs
• Fluently speak and write in business English (including proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation)

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, economics, finance or a related field is required. Graduation from a recognized school of banking and/or business‑related graduate degrees is a plus.

Experience: Prior commercial lending, underwriting, and credit approval experience is highly beneficial. Minimum of seven years of experience in commercial banking, business banking and/or portfolio management. Ability to decide deals of advanced complexity arising from a local market area.

Certifications / Specific Knowledge: Knowledge of accounting, finance and lending principles; in‑depth knowledge of Federal and State lending regulations and Bank policies related to lending procedures.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS / CLASSES

• SouthState Bank credit policies, procedures and underwriting standards
• nCino training
• Annual regulatory and compliance training
• Additional training as required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires a large amount of time at a computer, sitting or standing at a desk for a minimum of four hours each workday. Frequent use of hands and fingers to enter data on a computer or answer a phone. Must be able to hear and communicate with coworkers and customers. May need to lift up to 25 pounds. Requires ability to remain seated or work standing in a confined area. Position may require regular before/after‑normal business hours or out‑of‑town travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is in a private office within a cooled and heated facility with access to break room or restroom during breaks. Must function in a professional business office environment, dress appropriately, demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with customers and coworkers, and be willing to function as a team member. Telecommuting or hybrid roles must have a secure home office free from background noise and distractions, with a reliable private internet connection (preferably cable or fiber).

WORK LOCATION

750 Bering St. 100 Houston, Texas 77057

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.

Our business model supports the unique character of the communities we serve and encourages decision making by the banker that is closest to the customer. We think and act like owners and measure success over entire economic cycles. We prioritize soundness before short‑term profitability and growth.