Dealer Relationship Manager - Cleveland

First Investors Financial Services, Inc.; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis Financial Services, Inc. is seeking a Dealer Relationship Manager to oversee an assigned territory, primarily Cleveland, OH, and surrounding dealerships. The role focuses on growing indirect auto finance and floor plan opportunities while ensuring compliance with credit guidelines.

Candidate must live in or around Cleveland, OH, with 2+ years in underwriting or DRM roles in automotive lending. Expect 80% in-market travel and a hybrid work arrangement with remote and field

Qualifications

• Functional knowledge of retail automotive operations, including sales finance and dealership management.
• Ability to review and analyze credit within a lending environment.
• Demonstrated capability to develop and maintain effective business relationships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of sales principles and best practices.
• Skilled in analyzing data and market trends to support strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for dealership relationships, including retail finance, leasing, floor plan, and fleet lead generation.
• Deliver training to dealership staff to increase application and contract volume with SFS.
• Conduct sessions on SFS credit guidelines to help sales and finance managers optimize approvals and funding.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with existing and new dealership personnel.
• Collaborate closely with credit and funding departments to address contract issues and support funding efficiency.
• Monitor and analyze market trends and dealership performance to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Maintain thorough documentation including call reports, itineraries, mileage logs, and submit timely expense reports.
• Participate in weekly sales calls and other required meetings to share updates and align with regional goals.

Skills

Automotive operations

Credit analysis

Relationship building

Communication skills

Sales principles

Market data analysis

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Stellantis Financial Services (SFS) is the new captive finance company for one of the world\'s leading automakers and a mobility provider with iconic brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys.

Our exciting growth provides opportunities to advance your career as we successfully lead products and services from a small to midsize company in just a few years. Join our world class team and culture and contribute to our core mission which is enhancing our customer\'s experience.

Job Summary:

The Dealer Relationship Manager (DRM) manages an assigned territory, comprised of Stellantis (STLA) OEM automobile dealerships, to achieve the desired product penetration of indirect auto finance retail installment and lease contracts, commercial fleet accounts and floor plan opportunities in-line with corporate objectives.

Candidate must live in or around Cleveland, OH.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all dealership relationships, including retail finance, leasing, floor plan, and fleet lead generation
• Deliver training to dealership staff to increase application and contract volume with SFS
• Conduct sessions on SFS credit guidelines to help sales and finance managers optimize approvals and funding
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with existing and new dealership personnel
• Collaborate closely with credit and funding departments to address contract issues and support funding efficiency
• Support dealership and SFS goals by aligning relationship efforts with performance targets
• Monitor and analyze market trends and dealership performance to identify opportunities and challenges
• Maintain thorough documentation including call reports, itineraries, mileage logs, and submit timely expense reports
• Participate in weekly sales calls and other required meetings to share updates and align with regional goals
• Handle and protect sensitive consumer information (e.g., SSNs, DOBs) in accordance with data privacy standards

Qualifications & Competencies Required: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as an underwriter for retail, small business, lease, or commercial lending, or as a DRM for a captive, bank, or finance company in the automotive indirect lending industry
• Completion of the Dealer Centered Selling Certification program is required upon hire for the Dealer Relationship Manager role

Education:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

Travel:

• In Market Travel 80%
• Minimum 4 days per week of in-dealership sales activity

Skills Required:

• Functional knowledge of retail automotive operations, including sales finance and dealership management
• Proven ability to review and analyze credit within a lending environment
• Demonstrated capability to develop and maintain effective business relationships
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comprehensive understanding of sales principles and best practices
• Skilled in analyzing data and market trends to support strategic decision-making

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are required to work remotely from a corporation or home office as well as manage a field presence to maintain a larger number of dealership prospects and the existing customer base. Employees may be required to conduct overnight travel to meet the demands of their dealer base. Employees will be required to report to a Regional Sales Manager, in a collaborative manner, to keep them abreast of all developments within the market.

Work Schedule: This position requires the ability to work various shifts to accommodate business needs. Typically, between the hours of 8AM-6PM Monday through Friday and on weekends as needed. Local market travel is required 80% of the time.

An applicant must be authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for this position. Stellantis Financial Services, Inc. will not sponsor applicants for work visas of any type for this position.