Managing Director, Commercial Bank Strategic Planning

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Managing Director, Commercial Bank Strategic Planning to join our team! This position is responsible for leading the Commercial Line of Business strategic planning, forecasting, growth analytics, strategic investments process, and executive decision-support capabilities. Serves as a key strategic advisor to the Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Bank Leadership Team, and Executive Director, Commercial Support, Planning & Analytics. The position is expected to have high visibility to the Bank's Commercial Leadership Team and support the objectives of the Executive Management Team (EMT). The position is responsible for establishing a forward-looking planning framework that links strategy, business performance, growth initiatives, resource allocation, and shareholder value creation. Responsible for supporting strategic planning, performance management, growth initiatives, investment prioritization, and resource deployment across Commercial Banking business segments representing approximately 75-80% of enterprise revenue. Accountable for development and governance of the Commercial Bank operating plan, long-range strategic plan, and growth agenda across all Commercial Banking business segments. The role is accountable for transforming the Commercial Analytics team from primarily historical reporting to proactive, forward-looking strategic planning and performance management.

As part of this role you will:

• Scope

• Commercial Line of Business responsibility across all business segments (Community, Middle Market, Upper Middle Market, Asset Backed Lending, Investment Real Estate, Sponsor Finance, and Treasury Management & Merchant Services).

• Strategic partner to Commercial Bank Leadership Team (CBLT).

• Primary owner of Commercial Bank planning and forecasting processes.

• Responsible for development of long-range financial planning and growth frameworks.

• Supports EMT-level strategic planning and performance discussions.

• Leads evaluation of enterprise growth initiatives and strategic investments.

• Supports strategic planning, performance management, and investment decision making across Commercial Banking business segments representing approximately 75-80% of enterprise revenue.

• Commercial Bank Strategic Planning

• Lead development of annual and long-range strategic planning processes.

• Translate enterprise strategy into measurable financial and operational objectives.

• Develop multi-year growth, profitability, and investment allocation scenarios.

• Facilitate strategic planning across business segments and corporate functions.

• Assess market expansion opportunities, segment growth strategies, competitive positioning, customer acquisition initiatives, and relationship expansion opportunities.

• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate strategic alternatives and future growth opportunities.

• Team and Capability Development

• Lead, coach, and develop strategic planning professionals.

• Establish repeatable planning processes and improve reporting quality and efficiency.

• Commercial Bank Forecasting & Performance Management

• Establish forecasting capabilities across all business segments.

• Implement driver-based planning methodologies.

• Lead rolling forecasts and long-range financial outlooks.

• Refine performance measurement frameworks and management scorecards.

• Growth Strategy & Business Performance

• Partner with business leaders to identify growth opportunities.

• Develop recommendations regarding deployment of resources across geographies, customer segments, and product lines.

• Establish growth metrics and strategic performance indicators.

• Strategic Investment Management

• Lead financial evaluation of strategic investments and enterprise initiatives.

• Lead evaluation and recommendation of investment opportunities and resource allocation decisions impacting growth, profitability, and shareholder value creation.

• Partner with Credit, Risk Management, and Finance to evaluate growth opportunities using risk-adjusted return frameworks.

• Executive Leadership & Strategic Decision Support

• Support development and presentation of strategic analyses and performance insights for EMT and Board-level reviews.

• Partner with executive leadership to develop long-range growth objectives and planning priorities.

• Provide objective recommendations regarding growth opportunities and investments.

• Strategic Planning Transformation & Strategic Analytics

• Lead modernization of planning, forecasting, performance management and strategic decision-support capabilities.

• Drive adoption of data-driven planning processes across business segments.

• Strategic Impact

• Establish Strategic Planning Framework for the Commercial Line of Business to enable data-driven business decisions.

• Improve Commercial Bank forecast accuracy and visibility.

• Increase strategic planning effectiveness.

• Strengthen growth decision making.

• Improve investment allocation decisioning process and outcomes.

• Enhance Executive Decision Support.

• Establish a scalable growth management framework.

• Improve communication of long-term shareholder value creation.

• Improve capital allocation effectiveness across Commercial Banking business segments.

• Strengthen executive confidence in long-range growth forecasting, investment prioritization, and strategic decision-making.

• Enhance visibility into growth drivers, profitability trends, and resource deployment opportunities across the Commercial Bank.

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; advanced degree or professional designation preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, finance, accounting, corporate development, or financial-services leadership.
• Knowledge of commercial banking or financial services business models, including growth drivers, profitability, credit considerations, capital deployment, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Deep understanding of strategic planning, forecasting, performance-management processes, and supporting systems.
• Advanced planning, scenario analysis, forecasting, and business-case development capabilities.
• Proven ability to connect external trends, competitive dynamics, and internal performance to actionable strategies and measurable business objectives.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex financial, operational, and market information into clear, decision-ready recommendations.
• Strong proficiency with planning, business intelligence, and data visualization tools, with the ability to work effectively with large and complex data sets.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and implementing new planning, forecasting, or performance-management capabilities.
• Executive presence and demonstrated ability to facilitate strategic discussions, constructively challenge assumptions, and build alignment among senior leaders.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and presenting materials that influence executive or governing committee-level decision-making.
• Highly effective relationship builder with the ability to influence across business segments and functional partners without relying solely on direct authority.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and manage competing priorities in fast paced, high-visibility environments.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and effectively.
• Strong people leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to coaching, developing, and engaging high-performing teams.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, responding to evolving priorities, and maintaining a high level of urgency and accountability.

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!