DIRECTOR OF INDIRECT LENDING

Location: Albuquerque, NM 87109

Required work schedule: (not a remote or hybrid position)

- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

- Weekend and Holidays may be required based on business needs.

Please note that this schedule is subject to change as needed.

As a valued full-time team member, you'll enjoy fantastic benefits that promote your health and well-being:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D

• Holiday Pay, Vacation, Birthday, Floating Holiday & Sick Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement for Professional Development

• 401(k) Plan with Employer Match

• Pension Plan for Long-term Security

• Exciting Opportunities for Career Advancement

Overall Purpose:

At Sandia Area, every position plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to deliver high-value banking and lending services that strengthen the financial well-being of our members and community. Each team member is expected to embody our core values of Service, Sustainability, Efficiency, Trust, Stewardship, and Growth, contributing to our vision of empowering lifelong achievement through better banking.

The Director of Indirect Lending is responsible for managing the credit union’s indirect lending program, owning overall performance, risk and direction of the department.  This role sets strategy, program management, develops and refines policies, and ensures the indirect channel supports overall lending growth objectives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Establish standard program management frameworks to improve efficiency and team execution while also reporting program progress, risks, and financial health to executive leadership.

• Define, review, and refine indirect underwriting guidelines, credit tiers, and automated decisioning logic to maintain desired quality.

• Oversee Credit Buyers, Indirect Processors and Dealer Relationship Specialists to ensure dealerships have a seamless experience.

• Ensure all indirect lending operations strictly comply with all federal and state regulations, including but not limited to Fair Lending, Truth in Lending (TILA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Acts (ECOA).

• Monitor and review reports prior to submission to executive leadership and the board on program performance and risk, especially with regard to fair lending aspects.

• Monitor portfolio delinquency, default rates and charge-offs alongside the Charge Off Committee and implement swift corrective underwriting adjustments when necessary.

• Develop plans and provide guidance to the Dealer Relationship Specialist to meet established goals.

• Coordinate with Special Accounts when necessary to ensure any concerns are addressed immediately and assistance is provided by the dealership when necessary.

• Develop dealership relationships in order to expand the credit union’s lending footprint, optimize yields, and achieve volume targets.

• Maintain awareness of competitor programs, market rates and dealer-level offerings in the territory.

• Analyze field reports to assess market competitiveness, dealer satisfaction, and opportunities or risks in the market.

• Evaluate new channels, territories, and partnerships to expand the indirect program where appropriate.

• Proactively engage with dealers in the field, spending at least 20% of time on field work - including travel within the metro area, throughout the state, and potentially out of state.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Expertise in indirect lending with a requisite understanding of financial institution operations.

• Ability to defuse tense dealer disputes, manage fraud scenarios and handle contractual negotiations effectively.

• Ability to manage a fast-paced environment and maintain rapid underwriting turnaround times during peak weekend or holiday dealership hours.

• Possess extensive knowledge of industry-standard indirect lending portals and advanced loan origination systems.

• Must be willing and able to drive on company business, maintain a valid Driver's License, and adhere to Sandia Area's Driving Policy.

• Visionary leadership and strategic planning skills to align departmental initiatives with organizational objectives.

• Ability to strategically plan department objectives with levels of senior management.

• Knowledgeable regarding products, services, and processes within the consumer and indirect lending areas.

• Strong collaborative skills to foster cross-departmental partnerships.

• Ability to oversee large-scale projects and manage resources effectively.

• Advanced communication skills to engage with stakeholders and present ideas clearly.

• Analytical skills to assess departmental performance and implement improvements.

• Proven managerial experience and ability to lead and mentor teams.

• Willingness to engage in difficult situations using outstanding interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

• Passionate about teamwork and having a positive influence on others; ability to work independently and demonstrate attention to detail.

• Proactive in seeking professional growth, embracing both formal and informal development opportunities, and demonstrating adaptability to new responsibilities.

• Team-oriented with a strong collaborative mindset, actively supporting team members and contributing to a positive and high-performing environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to perform essential functions, including the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.

  • Directly related experience, in addition to the minimum years required, may be considered as a substitution.

• Seven (7) years of applicable experience required with at least four (4) years in a managerial capacity.

• Documented history of managing a substantial indirect loan portfolio.

• Prior experience working directly with, or pitching programs to, Finance and Insurance (F & I) managers and dealer group principals.

• Prior underwriting experience required.   

• Familiarity with indirect loan processing requirements is beneficial.

• Experience navigating the cultural and regulatory environments unique to credit unions, including strategies for converting indirect auto buyers into active, deposit-holding members.

*** Please submit an employment application to www.sandia.org/careers ***

Sandia Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SAFCU provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.