Director of C & I Appraisals

Description

At Sunflower Bank, N.A., we’re experiencing great growth. Since our founding in 1892, we've been committed to serving our communities and supporting the team members who make it all possible. As a full-service financial institution, we offer a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business, and wealth-management financial objectives. Creating Possibility is not just our mission, it’s what we do every day for clients and associates. Learn more about Sunflower Bank, N.A. at sunflowerbank.com. 

Sunflower Bank, N.A. is looking for an energetic, highly motivated individual to fill the position of a full-time Director of C & I Appraisals in Plano, TX.

Hybrid and fully remote options available.  

Description:

The Director of C&I (Commercial & Industrial) Appraisals is responsible for the administration and governance of the SBNA Appraisal Policy and Procedures for commercial real estate collateral valuations. Reporting directly to the Chief Appraiser, this role ensures that appraisal activities are conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements, internal risk standards, and industry best practices.

The Director of C&I Appraisals assists the Chief Appraiser with strategic oversight of third-party appraisal vendors, internal review processes, quality control review, and valuation risk management, ensuring independence, quality, and consistency across the Bank’s commercial lending portfolio.

This position plays a critical role in safeguarding the Bank’s credit and collateral quality through sound valuation governance, ensuring that collateral risk is appropriately measured, monitored, and managed in alignment with the Bank’s strategic objectives and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities:

Appraisal Policy & Governance:

• Assist the Chief Appraiser with the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of the Bank’s appraisal policies and procedures related to commercial real estate collateral.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory guidance (e.g., Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, USPAP, FIRREA, Dodd-Frank, Appraiser Independence Requirements, Fair Housing, Fair Lending) and internal credit risk standards.
• Collaborate with and provide strategic support to the Chief Appraiser in strengthening appraisal policies and procedures in response to regulatory developments, audit insights, and emerging valuation risks.
• Develop and maintain necessary procedural documentation, job aids, and internal controls supporting policy adherence.
• Assist the Chief Appraiser with facilitation of internal training sessions for lenders and Credit personnel.

Valuation Oversight & Quality Control:

• Oversee the ordering, engagement, and review process for appraisals and evaluations related to commercial and residential real estate collateral and business valuations and associated reviews.
• Ensure appraisal independence consistent with regulatory expectations.
• Establish and maintain a robust quality control framework to assess credibility, reasonableness, and regulatory compliance of valuation products and vendors.
• Monitor and report on valuation trends, exceptions, and risk indicators to the Chief Appraiser and Credit Risk leadership.

Vendor Management:

• Assist with the formation and management of the approved appraiser and valuation vendor panel.
• Conduct due diligence, onboarding, performance monitoring, and periodic re-qualification of third-party vendors.
• Negotiate engagement terms and maintain service-level expectations.
• Ensure vendors meet competency, licensing, and insurance requirements.
• Facilitate the resolution of issues with deficient vendors and provide solutions to facilitate loan transactions.

Risk Management & Reporting

• Identify and escalate valuation-related risks to senior leadership.
• Develop reporting dashboards and metrics related to turnaround times, exceptions, review findings, and portfolio exposure.
• Support internal audit, regulatory examinations, and external audit requests related to real estate.
• Provide subject matter expertise in criticized/classified asset reviews and complex commercial real estate transactions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial Lending, Special Assets, Credit Administration, and Risk Management to ensure appropriate collateral valuation support.
• Provide guidance on collateral structuring and valuation requirements for new and complex transactions.
• Deliver training to lending and credit teams regarding appraisal policy requirements and best practices.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop appraisal review staff as applicable.
• Establish performance standards, training programs, and succession planning initiatives.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement

Education / Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or related field required desired.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in commercial appraisal, valuation review, or credit risk management within a financial institution.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing appraisal functions or valuation teams.
• Strong knowledge of C&I collateral valuation methodologies, complex commercial real estate and residential real estate.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements governing bank appraisal programs.
• Experience with appraisal platforms such as RIMS, C360 or YouConnect preferred.
• Strong reporting capabilities using Excell preferred.

Certifications (Preferred):

• MAI, from the Appraisal Institute, or other relevant valuation credential strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of appraisal regulatory framework and risk governance practices.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain independence and objectivity.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, risk-focused environment.
• Solutions-driven business acumen.

Key Success Factors:

• Successful implementation and consistent execution of appraisal policy across the C&I portfolio.
• Balanced regulatory examination outcomes related to appraisal and valuation processes.
• Effective risk identification and mitigation within the Bank’s commercial lending activities.
• High-quality vendor performance and appraisal review standards.
• Clear, proactive communication with senior management and stakeholders.

Pay is dependent on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and location.

Working Conditions

The physical demands of this position require the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees may spend extended periods sitting or standing, using hands to operate computers or other equipment, and reaching for work-related tasks. Regular walking may be required, along with occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or climbing. The role may involve lifting or moving items weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Sunflower Bank Benefits

People choose to “bank” with us, but for those we serve, we’re more than a bank. We strive to be the financial backbone of their lives, and we know that starts with our team.

Our supportive culture empowers team members to grow and seize new opportunities. Like our namesake, the sunflower, we are: 

• Rooted in Strength 
• Propelled by Growth 
• Individuals in a Great Whole 
• Creating Possibility 
• Community Focused 

Associates enjoy outstanding benefits, including: 

• 401(k) Plan with 6% Match 
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance 
• Company-paid Life Insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Fitness Reimbursement 
• Paid Time Off 
• Volunteer Leave 
• Paid Holidays 
• Plus many more associate perks & incentives! 

If you qualify, apply online at www.sunflowerbank.com/careers. 

You’ve never worked anyplace like Sunflower Bank!

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets

Sunflower Bank, N.A. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Open until filled; early application encouraged. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

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