Associate Director

Location: Gurugram, Onsite Job Summary: Experienced and results-oriented Senior Manager/ Associate Director - Commercial Lending Operations to lead large-scale commercial lending operations supporting a US banking client. The role will be responsible for driving operational excellence across the lending lifecycle, managing high-performing teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, delivering client commitments, and spearheading transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Commercial Lending, Credit Administration, Loan Servicing, Syndicated Loans, Covenant Monitoring, and Portfolio Management, along with strong stakeholder management skills and a proven track record of leading large operations teams in a banking or financial services environment. Key Responsibilities Business & Operations Leadership Lead end-to-end Commercial Lending Operations supporting US banking clients. Manage large teams across multiple lending functions and ensure achievement of operational KPIs and SLAs. Drive operational efficiency, productivity improvement, and cost optimization initiatives. Monitor daily operations and establish robust governance mechanisms to ensure consistent service delivery. Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with business objectives and client expectations. Commercial Lending Operations Management Oversee operational activities across: Loan Origination Support Credit Documentation Review Loan Closing & Funding Loan Servicing Syndicated Loan Administration Covenant Monitoring Collateral Management Portfolio Reporting Exception Management Ensure timely and accurate processing of commercial loan transactions. Drive controls around lending documentation, funding, servicing, and reporting activities. Client Relationship Management Act as a senior point of contact for US banking clients. Conduct regular business reviews and operational governance meetings. Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and identify opportunities for growth and service enhancement. Manage escalations and drive timely resolution of critical issues. Risk, Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with US banking regulations, internal policies, audit requirements, and risk management frameworks. Strengthen operational controls and mitigate process risks. Support internal and external audits by ensuring readiness and timely closure of observations. Drive adherence to quality control standards and regulatory requirements. People Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop managers and team leaders. Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement. Manage workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives. Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Transformation & Continuous Improvement Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Automation, and Digital Transformation initiatives. Identify opportunities for process reengineering and workflow optimization. Collaborate with technology and transformation teams to implement operational improvements and automation solutions. Drive innovation to enhance customer experience and operational effectiveness. Performance Management Establish KPIs and operational dashboards. Analyze business performance trends and implement corrective actions. Deliver productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction targets. Present operational updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Required Qualifications Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related field. Master's degree (MBA/PGDM) preferred. 14-18 years of experience in Banking Operations, Commercial Lending, or Corporate Banking Operations. Minimum 8 years of experience leading large teams and managing client-facing operations. Strong understanding of: Commercial Lending Credit Risk Processes Loan Documentation Loan Servicing Syndicated Lending Collateral Management Covenant Compliance Portfolio Management Preferred Skills & Competencies Technical Skills Commercial Lending Lifecycle Expertise Syndicated Loans Administration Credit Documentation Review Loan IQ, ACBS, AFS, PrecisionLender, or equivalent platforms Operational Risk & Compliance Management Data Analysis and Performance Reporting Leadership Skills Strategic Thinking Executive Presence Stakeholder Management Client Relationship Management Program and Change Management Decision-Making and Problem-Solving