AVP, Dealer Relationship Manager - Gainesville, FL

Santander; Lorida (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Santander is seeking an AVP, Dealer Relationship Manager for Gainesville, FL. You will establish and manage partnerships with franchised and independent auto dealerships, driving loan originations and promoting Santander auto finance programs.

The role requires an active travel schedule within the territory and strong knowledge of dealership operations and finance products. You will collaborate with Credit, Funding, and dealer services teams to deliver superior service.

Qualifications

• > Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing or equivalent work experience.
• > 5+ years of sales experience in auto finance, client relations, account management, relationship management, or automotive retail sales management.
• > Ability to travel daily within assigned territory up to 100% of the time.
• > Experience in Microsoft Office products.
• > Strong understanding of dealership operations and auto finance products.
• > Self-starter with strong organizational and territory management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish, develop, and manage strong, trusted relationships with automotive dealerships within the territory.
• Grow loan originations and dealer engagement by promoting auto finance programs.
• Explain Auto Finance, OEM programs, small business, dealer commercial products, and digital services.
• Execute sales strategies and support key initiatives as directed by sales management.
• Identify market trends and opportunities for growth.
• Educate dealerships on finance program guidelines, underwriting policies, digital tools, and platforms.
• Maintain dealer contact to maximize engagement and satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Credit and Funding teams to deliver service and resolve issues.

Skills

Sales experience

Dealership operations

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Marketing or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

AVP, Dealer Relationship Manager – Gainesville, FL Country: United States of America

It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. As one of the nation’s top five auto finance providers, we partner with more than 14,000 dealerships nationwide to deliver competitive financing solutions for both prime and non-prime customers. Our mission is to help dealers grow their business while making vehicle ownership more accessible to customers.

The Dealer Relationship Manager (DRM) is the front-line sales representative responsible for building and maintaining strong partnerships with franchised and independent auto dealerships in a defined territory. This individual will be accountable for driving loan originations, educating dealers on products, finance programs, underwriting policies, ensuring outstanding service and responsiveness.

This is an outside sales position that requires the specialist to reside within the assigned sales territory Gainesville, FL to meet business needs, effectively service clients, meet with prospects and attend in-person meetings and events.

• Establish, develop, and manage strong, trusted relationships with automotive dealerships within the territory.
• Grow loan originations and dealer engagement by promoting the company's auto finance programs including Santander.
• Auto Finance, OEM programs, small business, dealer commercial products, and digital services.
• Execute sales strategies and support key initiatives as directed by sales management.
• Identify market trends and competitive activities to identify growth opportunities.
• Provide ongoing education to dealerships on finance program guidelines, underwriting policies, digital tools, and other platforms.
• Maintain contact with dealership personnel through dealer visits to understand business needs, maximize engagement in the company’s offerings, and ensure overall satisfaction.
• Perform routine account management tasks and proper contact management to ensure accurate record keeping.
• Partner closely with Credit and Funding teams to deliver superior service and resolve dealer issues quickly.
• Coordinate meetings between Dealer Principals and dealer commercial services partners (Floor Plan).
• Communicate dealer performance KPIs with dealership owners and general management staff.
• Provide support to internal partners such as dealer collections, dealer performance, risk, pricing, legal, to resolve outstanding business matters.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company policies in dealer interactions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing or equivalent work experience - Required.
• 5+ years of sales experience in auto finance, client relations, account management, relationship management, or automotive retail sales management.
• Ability to travel daily within assigned territory up to 100% of the time.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products.
• Strong understanding of dealership operations and auto finance products.
• Self-starter with strong organizational and territory management abilities.
• Effective problem-solving and time management skills.
• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
• For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future.

Risk Culture

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.