Securities-Based Lending Product Manager

Job Summary  The Securities-Based Lending (SBL) Product Manager is responsible for leading the design, development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Bank’s Securities-Based Lending program, with a primary focus on demand Securities-Based Lines of Credit (SBLOCs). Reporting within Credit Administration, this role serves as the product owner for the end-to-end SBL framework, overseeing product strategy, policy development, risk governance, operational processes, technology enablement, and portfolio monitoring. The position requires strong credit and risk management expertise to ensure the program is scalable, compliant, operationally efficient, and aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives while maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Program Development & Implementation * Lead the design, development, and implementation of the Bank’s Securities-Based Lending (SBL) platform, including product structure, documentation standards, and operational workflows. * Develop and maintain all SBL-related policies, procedures, and controls in partnership with Credit Risk and other stakeholders. * Coordinate cross-functional efforts across Credit, Operations, Compliance, Legal, Technology, and frontline business teams to ensure organizational readiness. Product Design & Governance * Establish and maintain product parameters for demand Securities-Based Lines of Credit (SBLOCs), including advance rates, maintenance requirements, collateral eligibility criteria, and concentration haircuts. * Partner with Credit Administration and Credit Risk to develop underwriting standards, approval authorities, and exception management processes. * Ensure product governance, risk controls, and operating practices align with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and the Bank’s risk appetite framework. * Recommend enhancements to product features, controls, and processes as the program evolves. Technology & Vendor Integration * Lead implementation, configuration, and ongoing optimization of the SBL technology platform in collaboration with the Bank’s technology partner and internal stakeholders. * Coordinate integration of the SBL platform with internal systems, including loan servicing, collateral management, reporting, and customer relationship platforms. * Define business requirements for data capture, reporting, monitoring, and workflow automation. * Serve as the primary business owner and relationship manager for third-party technology vendors, overseeing performance, service levels, and strategic alignment. Portfolio Monitoring & Risk Framework * Design and implement a comprehensive portfolio monitoring and collateral management framework for the SBL program. * Establish margin monitoring processes, stress-testing methodologies, concentration reporting, and risk escalation procedures. * Develop management reporting and dashboards to support portfolio oversight, risk governance, and executive decision-making. * Partner with Credit Administration, Credit Risk, and senior leadership to ensure ongoing portfolio quality and adherence to program guidelines. Third-Party Brokerage Channel Management * Collaborate closely with the Bank’s brokerage partner to facilitate loan origination, onboarding, collateral transfers, and ongoing servicing activities. * Develop scalable operational workflows to support externally sourced loan volume while maintaining high-quality client experience. * Establish and maintain service-level expectations, communication protocols, and operational controls across the partnership. * Monitor channel performance and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, risk management, and growth. Performance Management & Reporting * Define, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the SBL program, including portfolio growth, utilization, credit quality, operational efficiency, and profitability. * Prepare and deliver regular reporting to executive management, risk committees, and other governance bodies. * Analyze performance trends and recommend strategic, operational, and risk-management improvements. * Support annual planning, budgeting, and long-term program development initiatives. Leadership & Stakeholder Management * Serve as the central point of coordination for all SBL program activities and stakeholders. * Build strong partnerships across Credit Administration, Risk Management, Operations, Compliance, Technology, Treasury, and business-line leadership. * Promote a culture of prudent risk management, operational excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the SBL program lifecycle. Compliance Responsibilities  Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies related but not limited to lending, operations, and deposit requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, Financial Elder Abuse reporting laws, Sexual Harassment prevention policies, information security and privacy requirements. Required Knowledge  * Direct experience with Securities-Based Lines of Credit (SBLOCs), securities-based lending, or other margin-style lending products.  * Proven experience building, launching, or significantly enhancing a lending product, platform, or credit program.  * Strong understanding of credit risk management, collateral valuation methodologies, margin maintenance requirements, and portfolio monitoring frameworks.  * Experience working with third-party brokerage firms, wealth management organizations, or registered investment advisor (RIA) channels.  * Prior involvement in developing lending policies, procedures, and governance frameworks within a regulated banking environment.  * Familiarity with fintech and third-party vendor platform implementations, including system integrations and workflow automation.  * Knowledge of regulatory expectations related to secured lending, consumer and commercial credit, and risk governance.  * Experience designing portfolio monitoring, stress testing, and management reporting frameworks.  * Ability to balance business growth objectives with prudent risk management and operational excellence. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  * Strong product management capabilities with the ability to translate strategic objectives into a scalable, well-controlled lending program.  * Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives from concept through implementation while managing timelines, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.  * Ability to build strong partnerships and influence outcomes across multiple functions without direct reporting authority.  * Exceptional collaboration and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work effectively across Credit Administration, Risk, Operations, Compliance, Technology, and external partners.  * Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to assess complex credit, operational, and business issues and develop practical solutions.  * Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior management, risk committees, regulators, vendors, and business partners.  * Highly organized with strong project management and execution skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.  * Detail-oriented with a strong control mindset and commitment to risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance.  * Ability to balance growth objectives with prudent risk management and operational excellence.  * Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with a continuous improvement mindset and a high degree of ownership and accountability.  * Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive change, build consensus, and foster cross-functional alignment.  * Sound judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in risk-sensitive and highly regulated environments. Equipment Operated  * Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions. * Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).  Physical Requirements & Work Environment  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this description is intended to limit the availability of reasonable accommodation under applicable law. * Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work. * Ability to sit and or stand for extended periods of time to perform essential job functions. * Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. * Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment. * Work is primarily performed in an office environment with a controlled temperature and standard office conditions. Education and Experience  * 7–12+ years of progressive experience in securities-based lending, private banking, specialty lending, wealth management lending, or related credit products. * Demonstrated experience managing lending products, programs, or portfolios within a regulated financial institution. * Strong knowledge of credit administration, underwriting, collateral management, and lending operations. * Experience working across multiple functional areas, including Credit, Risk Management, Operations, Compliance, Technology, and business-line leadership. Preferred Qualifications * Direct experience with Securities-Based Lines of Credit (SBLOCs), securities-backed lending, or margin-style lending structures. * Experience building, launching, or significantly enhancing a lending product, platform, or credit program. * Strong understanding of credit risk management, collateral valuation, margin maintenance requirements, and portfolio monitoring frameworks. * Experience working with third-party brokerage firms, wealth management organizations, or registered investment advisor (RIA) channels. * Prior involvement in policy development, governance, and risk framework design within a regulated banking environment. * Experience leading fintech, vendor platform, or technology implementation initiatives. * Familiarity with portfolio stress testing, concentration risk management, and executive-level reporting. * Knowledge of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements related to secured lending and wealth-management lending products. Minimum Absence Requirement Some positions within the Bank have been designated as sensitive positions due to access to critical systems, records, or processes. In accordance with Bank policy and sound internal‑control practices, employees in sensitive positions are required to complete a mandatory consecutive absence from essential duties each calendar year to support segregation of duties and independent review. The required absence will be scheduled in coordination with management to ensure continuity of operations. Administration of absence, including paid or unpaid status, will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour and leave laws, including California requirements. Required Minimum Absence for This Position: (2) Consecutive Weeks  Officer Title Eligibility  For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title based on the role’s job level, scope of responsibility, and alignment with established competency frameworks. Eligibility for an Officer Title designation is contingent upon the employee meeting defined competency, performance, and experience requirements and is governed by applicable Bank policies, governance standards, and required approval processes. * This position is eligible for the following Officer Title(s): First Vice President, Senior Vice President Compensation The listed range represents the full compensation range for this position. Placement within the range will be determined based on factors including skills, relevant experience, job‑related qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, in accordance with Bank compensation policies. * Exempt Salary Range: $143,416 – $266,344 per year Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law. Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserve the right to modify, amend, or discontinue job duties or requirements at any time. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, either express or implied, or alters the at‑will nature of employment. 07.27.26