Indirect Lending Manager

Erie Federal Credit Union; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie Federal Credit Union is seeking an Indirect Lending Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the department and drive strategic initiatives with the VP of Indirect Lending Services. You will coach staff, ensure underwriting consistency, and maintain strong relationships with dealership partners to support loan growth and member service.

The role requires five years of lending experience, including indirect or consumer lending, plus at least three years of supervisory leadership.

Qualifications

• Thorough leadership and people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of indirect lending, underwriting practices, and dealer operations.
• Ability to coach, develop, and hold staff accountable.
• Experience with regulatory requirements and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day Indirect Lending Department operations and staff.
• Develop staff and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain dealer relationships and serve as primary contact for operations.
• Monitor performance metrics and funding opportunities to maximize loan production.
• Provide guidance on lending policies, underwriting decisions, and exception requests.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Indirect lending

Staff development

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Lending systems

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Indirect Lending Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational management of the Credit Union's Indirect Lending Department. This position oversees departmental operations, staff development, dealer relationship management, underwriting consistency, service quality, and compliance with established policies and regulatory requirements. The Indirect Lending Manager works closely with the VP of Indirect Lending Services to execute departmental strategies, support sustainable loan growth, enhance operational efficiency, maintain portfolio quality, and deliver exceptional service to dealership partners and members. This role fosters a high-performing team environment through coaching, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Manage the day-to-day operations of the Indirect Lending Department, ensuring efficient workflow, timely loan decisions, and adherence to established service level standards.
2. Supervise, coach, develop, and support Indirect Lending staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and exceptional member service.
3. Monitor department performance and productivity metrics, recommending operational improvements that enhance efficiency, service quality, and loan growth.
4. Maintain strong working relationships with dealership partners, serving as a primary point of contact for operational matters, issue resolution, and ongoing program support.
5. Ensure dealer inquiries, concerns, and escalated issues are addressed promptly and professionally to promote positive business relationships and program growth.
6. Monitor approved but unfunded loans and dealership pipeline activity to improve funding rates and maximize loan production opportunities.
7. Provide guidance and support to Indirect Loan Officers and support staff regarding lending policies, procedures, underwriting decisions, and exception requests.
8. Review and elevate significant policy exceptions, fraud concerns, dealer contract violations, and other material risks to the VP of Indirect Lending Services as appropriate.
9. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of applicable regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices related to indirect lending.
10. Exercise lending authority within approved limits and process loan applications as needed, including providing coverage during staffing shortages or peak volumes.
11. Assist in implementing departmental initiatives, promotional campaigns, dealer programs, and business development efforts designed to support loan and membership growth.
12. Partner with the VP of Indirect Lending Services on process improvements, technology enhancements, and operational initiatives that improve efficiency, member experience, and portfolio performance.
13. Remain current on loan quality trends, dealer performance, delinquency trends, and portfolio performance indicators, identifying concerns and recommending corrective actions.
14. Conduct employee performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and development planning activities within established timeframes and in accordance with Credit Union policies.
15. Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and succession planning efforts to ensure the department maintains a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
16. Prepare, review, and distribute departmental reports and performance information as requested by the VP of Indirect Lending Services and executive management.
17. Maintain current knowledge of Credit Union products, services, policies, procedures, and lending programs, ensuring consistent application across the department.
18. Ensure compliance with all Credit Union policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations, including those established by the NCUA and other regulatory agencies.

NOTE: The list of essential functions is not exhaustive. It may be supplemented as necessary.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees, members, dealers, vendors, and all levels of management.
2. Thorough knowledge of indirect lending, consumer lending, underwriting practices, and dealership operations, including applicable regulations and industry best practices.
3. Strong business acumen, analytical, decision-making, and negotiation skills with the ability to balance growth objectives, portfolio quality, risk management, and member service.
4. Ability to coach, motivate, and develop employees, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high performance.
5. Thorough knowledge of Credit Union policies, procedures, products, and services, particularly those related to indirect lending, consumer lending, and member acquisition.
6. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing indirect lending, including but not limited to NCUA regulations, Fair Lending requirements, and other applicable consumer protection laws.
7. Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
8. Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment in handling sensitive member, employee, dealer, and organizational information.
9. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Management, or a related field is preferred.
10. Requires a minimum of five years of lending experience, including indirect or consumer lending experience, with at least three years of supervisory or leadership experience. Experience within a financial institution is strongly preferred.
11. Requires strong analytical and mathematical skills, including the ability to interpret lending metrics, performance reports, portfolio trends, and financial data.
12. Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and lending-related technology systems, including loan origination systems, reporting tools, and business applications.
13. Ability to travel locally as needed to maintain dealer relationships, attend business development events, training opportunities, and industry conferences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting = Continuous Crawling = Occasional

Standing = Frequent Climbing = Occasional

Walking = FrequentBalancing = Occasional

Driving an automobile =Continuous Reaching Overhead =Occasional

Lifting/Carrying = Occasional Reaching Forward = Occasional

Amount of Weight =25-50 lbs.Kneeling = Occasional

Squatting = Occasional Push/Pull = Occasional

Bending = Occasional Twisting = Occasional

DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.