Director, Lending Decision Systems

Happen Bank; New York (NY); On-site; USD 210,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health and wellness programs

Flexible time-off policies

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Happen Bank is seeking a Director, Decision Systems to lead a team driving decision infrastructure. This role focuses on developing automated decisioning technologies while collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate has a strong leadership background in fintech, proven experience with rules engines, and exceptional communication skills.

The role is based in New York with a hybrid work model requiring in-office attendance three days a week. A competitive benefits package and relocation support are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in fintech or financial services.
• 6+ years in people management roles.
• Expertise with rules engines like GDS Link or Provenir.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Decision Systems team in building and maintaining decision infrastructure.
• Manage cross-functional collaboration across various teams.
• Develop expertise across product lines and technologies.

Skills

Leadership in technology programs

Rules engines expertise

API and microservices development

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication and negotiation

Problem-solving skills

Strategic mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub) is built around a simple purpose: to clear the way to help people turn intention into action, and action into financial progress. That means offering focused products, a frictionless mobile‑first experience, and clear terms with no gotchas. Respect and fairness is part of our DNA, and that ideal shapes how we work, how we treat each other, and how we invest in our employees and our community. Join us in using data, bold thinking, and a commitment to innovation to help clear the way for millions of Americans to achieve more.

About the Role

We are looking for a Director, Decision Systems to lead the Decision Systems team responsible for designing, building and maintaining the decision infrastructure and related data interfaces. This seasoned leader will partner with several teams across Happen Bank to understand business needs, manage complex cross‑functional work and provide support to achieve strategic business objectives via automated decisioning technology. The role reports to the VP of Risk Infrastructure and will navigate the team through challenges and drive impactful results.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and execution of the Strategic Transformation programs for the Risk Infrastructure function while partnering with Credit Risk, Modeling, Business, Engineering, Product, Marketing and other teams at Happen Bank
• Work with the Team Managers to flawlessly deliver (implement) the BAU policies and models on the Decision Infrastructure for the Personal Loan Portfolio
• Develop in‑depth expertise across Happen Bank’s suite of products, technologies and processes
• Build rapport and close partnership with peer groups and leads in the Credit Risk and Business teams through proven understanding of the functions for demand management and to run the Risk Infrastructure function effectively
• Collaborate with the Engineering subject matter experts to define the technology strategy, roadmap to the destination (Future State) architecture and lead the scalability of decisioning solution(s)
• Apply AI responsibly to build the next‑gen lending platforms, optimize and automate existing processes, boost productivity, and accelerate transformation in the decisioning domain
• Provide timely reports to leadership on project progress, issues, risks and escalations. Generate Decision Systems presentations for management updates
• Lead and support the team by mentoring members in their professional and technical development while keeping immediate management informed on team performance metrics, challenges and opportunities, providing strategic recommendations for improvement
• Oversee the offshore contract team, key role recruitment and amplify operational efficiencies
• Lead the internal and external regulatory audits and drive the audit findings to the finish line

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven leadership in developing team members and managing teams with complex technology programs in a fast‑paced fintech or financial services environment, including 6+ years in people management
• 10+ years of track record with rules engines such as GDS Link, Provenir, Drools, Alloy, Blaze, Oscilar or equivalent technologies
• Strong hands‑on technical foundation with expertise in building APIs, microservices, cloud architectural patterns and tech strategy
• Exceptional cross‑functional collaboration skills to drive alignment and achieve organizational goals
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Experience navigating a fast‑paced, ambiguous and evolving environment that requires constant problem‑solving in complex technical areas and resolving issues with optimal outcomes aligned with the business goals
• Executive presence with strategic mindset, ability to think big‑picture with long‑term goals while also being laser‑focused on tactical execution and operational efficiency
• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Location

San Francisco, New York. These offices are eligible for this role. The hybrid work model requires in‑office attendance Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Remote placement will not be considered. Happen Bank offers relocation based on the actual job level.

Time Zone Requirements

Primarily PT. The candidate should be flexible to work across time zones when necessary.

Travel Requirements

As needed to Happen Bank offices and/or other locations.

Compensation

The target base salary range for this position is $210,000–$245,000. The base salary will be determined by job‑related knowledge, experience, education, skills and location. Base salary is one part of Happen Bank’s Total Rewards package. The role may also be eligible for long‑term awards (equity) and an annual bonus based on company performance, employee performance and eligible earnings.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision plans for employees and their families, 401(k) match, health and wellness programs, flexible time‑off policies for salaried employees, up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Happen Bank is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We believe that a variety of perspectives will make our teams and business stronger as we work together to transform the traditional banking system.

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].