Head of Lending Systems

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

River Run is a shared services organization that supports banking affiliates, Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank. Together, we shape the evolution of community banking through innovation and strong partnerships, while preserving the personalized service our customers value. Here, you will discover opportunities for professional growth, make a meaningful impact in your local community, and join a team that champions integrity, collaboration, and continuous progress. This is community banking, evolved.

Leads the support, optimization, and enhancement of the Bank’s Commercial and Consumer lending systems, including platforms involved in the loan boarding process. Manages system analysis, administration, configuration, automation, and workflow improvements to increase efficiency and usability across the Bank’s lending operations. Evaluates and monitors business processes in collaboration with department leaders, providing regular updates to senior leadership, contributing to the budgeting process, and driving the consistent delivery of system enhancements using standardized project management methodologies. As a primary resource for lending staff and leadership, leads training efforts, promotes best practices, and supports cross-functional initiatives including developing operational runbooks, gathering business requirements, managing support tickets in line with Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) practices, designing system architecture, and enabling system integrations.

Requirements:

Essential Job Functions

• Leads cross-functional collaboration with key stakeholders to identify and champion process improvements and automation strategies that enhance enterprise-wide productivity and operational efficiency.
• Analyzes industry trends and leverages professional expertise to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovative solutions aligned with strategic business goals.
• Oversees system reviews and assessments, ensuring thorough evaluation of business requirements, risk analysis, cost justification, and compatibility with enterprise architecture to support process optimization and technology initiatives.
• Serves as a senior subject matter expert on enterprise projects, translating business needs into clear objectives, defining scope, estimating resource allocation, mitigating risk, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Provides executive oversight of system configuration and documentation for new application implementations, ensuring alignment with operational standards and business requirements.
• Establishes and validates enterprise testing protocols, including the development and execution of test plans, to ensure system integrity and performance across business units.
• Directs the creation of procedures, training programs, and change management strategies to support successful deployment of new systems, features, and business processes.
• Oversees system integrations and data governance, ensuring accurate data mapping and consistency across platforms as new products or features are introduced.
• Provides governance over user access management and security protocols for designated enterprise applications, ensuring regulatory and internal compliance.
• Leads feasibility assessments of new initiatives, process reengineering efforts, and technical solutions, providing strategic input on organizational impact and alignment with business goals.
• Oversees resolution of complex system issues, applying sound judgment and executive decision-making to implement effective, scalable solutions.
• Prepares and reviews strategic business documentation, including cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments, technology roadmaps, and operational evaluations to support executive decision-making.
• Acts as a strategic partner and thought leader within the leadership team, fostering collaboration and alignment across departments.
• Champions the Bank’s mission, vision, and core values through strategic initiatives and leadership behavior.
• Ensures full compliance with Bank policies, procedures, cybersecurity standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Directs the planning, implementation, and oversight of enterprise systems that support data acquisition, business intelligence, and strategic decision-making.
• Represents the Bank in external forums, including industry and community events, promoting the Bank’s mission and reinforcing its reputation.
• Provides strategic support and documentation during internal, state, and federal audits or regulatory examinations.
• Supports business continuity by ensuring effective succession planning, cross-training, and team leadership across functional areas.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties, as directed by management.
• Complies with all related consumer regulatory requirements.

Qualifications, Experience, and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems, operations, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of banking experience with knowledge of financial industry operations and systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of databases and IT infrastructure preferred.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and discretion when working with teams and third parties.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and team-oriented with a proactive mindset and accountability.
• Proven ability to evaluate and improve business processes.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to translate business requirements into functional specifications and interpret complex data for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including external vendors.
• Ability to work under pressure and navigate changing priorities while maintaining professionalism and strong working relationships.

River Run Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, you may contact Human Resources at hr@riverrun.com or call 978-462-3136.

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