The posting
Location:
726 Exchange Street, Buffalo New York
Job Summary The Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial serves as the primary contact and Financial Advisor for commercial clients. This position is accountable for leading all aspects of business development and relationship management in a targeted geographic area. This role collaborates with other bankers and product partners on the development and delivery of solutions to meet client needs and is accountable for directing the implementation of the proposed plans. Senior Relationship Managers drive financial performance through profitable cash management/deposit growth, quality credit, and strategic advisory services.
Essential Functions
- Serve as the Trusted Financial Advisor and Business Partner to clients, and functions as the Commercial Banking client "expert" and the primary contact for most client-related matters.
- Drive a focused growth strategy and business development efforts by creating and maintaining a clear and holistic understanding of the client's or prospect's business/industry.
- Manage strategic issues including capital raising, regulatory compliance, ownership transition planning, M&A, revenue cycle management, etc.
- Educate the client on Key's expertise and capabilities in core product areas, including cash management, derivatives, equipment finance, and more.
- Maintain active prospecting efforts, including identification, qualification and calling, as well as develop an active Center of Influence (COI) referral network.
- Identify cross-sell opportunities and collaborate with other Community Bankers and Product Specialists to structure, coordinate and sponsor credit and non-credit products/services.
- Continuously improve functional/technical sales and credit expertise and transfer this knowledge to team members, partnering effectively with Credit Officers, as the first level sponsor for credit decisions.
- Assemble and lead cross-functional teams to quickly respond to customer requests when not able to address requests personally.
- Lead credit processes and ensure asset quality, including underwriting, structuring, and portfolio management; prepare Asset Quality Reports and Risk Rating models for accurate risk assessment.
- Mentor junior Relationship Managers and contribute to the development of team capabilities and performance.
- Lead strategic client reviews and proactively deliver insights and recommendations aligned with client goals.
- Contribute to strategic planning and initiatives of the commercial team.
- Maximize profitability of assigned portfolio by effectively selling the value Key provides.
- Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
- Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field or equivalent experience (required)
- Master's Degree (preferred)
Work Experience
- Minium of 7 years of financial services experience (required)
- Minimum of 1-year Formal commercial credit training & experience from a bank or financial institution (required)
- Strong track record of achieving performance targets (required)
- Minimum of 5 years of high performing experience providing financial expertise, counsel, and customized solutions to commercial clients in middle- to upper-market revenue brackets (preferred)
- Experience working in relationship management teams with a proven understanding of the importance of balancing business development and asset quality (preferred)
- Involvement in relevant boards and/or industry organizations (preferred)
Skills
- Prioritizing the needs, goals, and success of clients in every decision and interaction, ensuring tailored and responsive service.
- Making decisions that reflect high ethical standards, balancing client needs with regulatory and organizational responsibilities.
- Taking ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes, and holding oneself and others responsible for delivering results.
- Anticipating future trends and aligning client strategies with long-term business goals and market opportunities.
- Communicating clearly and persuasively with senior executives, both internally and externally, to influence decisions and build trust.
- Understanding the financial, operational, and strategic drivers of commercial organizations to provide relevant and impactful banking solutions.
- Effectively using customer relationship management systems to track interactions, manage pipelines, and support relationship development.
- Engaging clients in meaningful dialogue to uncover needs and deliver customized financial solutions that create measurable, sustainable value that aligns their needs with the bank’s capabilities and strategic goals.
- Possessing deep knowledge of commercial banking products and services, and how they apply to the unique needs of commercial clients.
- Designing and negotiating complex financial solutions that align with client needs and the bank’s risk and profitability standards.
- Systematically evaluate the likelihood and impact of risks and identify leading indicators to support informed decision-making and protect the client’s and bank’s interests.
Core Competencies
- All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.
Physical Demands
- General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.
Travel
- Occasional travel to include overnight stay.
Driving Requirements
- May need to drive to multiple locations in a single day; ability to operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $128,000.00 - $268,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/30/2026

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].
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