Relationship Specialist

OPENLANE; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Disability and life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Volunteer day

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

AFC, a leading automotive finance provider, seeks a Relationship Specialist to build strong dealer partnerships in the Houston area. You will drive financing solutions, nurture existing accounts, and attract new business while balancing risk.

The role emphasizes customer service, relationship elevation, and a proactive, people-first approach to support dealers and grow AFC revenue.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of customer-facing, sales, or sales support experience.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel 50–75% within your market.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sales expertise and problem-solving for dealer issues.
• Understanding of portfolio management and risk.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Proficiency with mobile apps and general software.

Responsibilities

• Use critical thinking to assess business and risk situations with minimal oversight.
• Develop understanding of customer needs using CRM tools and queues.
• Grow portfolio organically and support product campaigns and partnerships.
• Manage, service, and balance risk on customer accounts.
• Drive new growth opportunities and manage existing accounts.
• Support a culture of helping others succeed as they grow.

Skills

CRM proficiency

Sales experience

Travel readiness

multitask

Portfolio management

Tech savviness

Accountability

Tools

Google Workspace

Salesforce

Tableau

CRM software

Job description

Who We Are:

At AFC (Automotive Finance Corporation) we fuel the entrepreneurial dream in our community. For more than 35 years, we’ve been committed to making dreams come true for independent car dealers. AFC’s finance solutions work with more than 12,000 independent dealerships across North America freeing up cash flow to give them more time to focus on building their business. Our solutions amplify purchasing power so dealers can stock their dealership lot with vehicles their customers seek. Learn more about AFC, here: https://www.autofinance.com/

AFC’s Core Values:

Elevating Relationships. We connect deeply with our customers - celebrating their wins and supporting their struggles as if they were our own.
Powered by Passion. We believe that “passion is our superpower” and that every success is built upon the commitment and perseverance of our employees.
Vision-driven. We look ahead to the bigger picture so our customers can be prepared; after all, their success is our destination.
Dedicated to You. We demonstrate value and appreciation by recognizing and validating each other’s efforts. We stand committed to the success of our customers.

We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a Relationship Specialist who enjoys and is energized by building relationships through meaningful interactions with current and prospective customers. You will be part of a local team responsible for providing financing (floorplanning) for independent auto dealers. You will be involved in elevating customer relationships, attracting new business, and growing AFC revenue while balancing risk. The ideal candidate will have three years of experience in customer-facing, sales, or sales support roles.

Where You’ll Work:

The ideal candidate will reside within the Houston, TX metro area and travel within their assigned territory.

You Are:

• Focused on Elevating Relationships: you believe integrity and honesty build long-lasting relationships; connecting with your customers as well as your peers, celebrating their wins, and supporting them through their struggles.
• Powered by Passion. you are obsessed with customer service and helping our customers realize their unlimited potential. You understand our dealer’s success is built upon the commitment and perseverance of your efforts.
• Vision-Driven. you focus on understanding your customers’ future needs and are dedicated to continuous improvement; making it easier for customers to do business while preparing for what’s to come.
• Dedicated. you have an unwavering “people-first” commitment to ensure success and provide support to your customers and team.

You Will:

• Use critical thinking to assess business and risk situations and make decisions with little oversight
• Develop an understanding of customer needs by using customer relationship management (CRM) tools and work queues
• Grow the portfolio organically and assist in promotional efforts to new and existing accounts for product campaigns and cross-platform partnerships
• Manage, service, and balance risk on customer accounts
• Manage existing accounts and drive new growth opportunities
• Embrace our culture of supporting others’ success as they grow in their role

Must Have’s:

• A minimum of three to five years of experience in customer-facing, sales, or sales support roles
• A valid driver’s license with reliable and dedicated transportation
• Ability and desire to frequently travel (50-75%) within your market to support our current and prospective customer base
• Desire and experience working in a multi-faceted environment, effectively managing multiple tasks with a strong focus on productivity, and the ability to adapt
• Proficiently apply sales expertise, adapt to audiences, maintain curiosity, and effectively resolve core dealer issues
• A strong understanding of portfolio management, risk, and new business development
• Ability to work independently and autonomously when needed as well as part of a team
• Ability to use and understand technology required for your position such as mobile applications and software
• High level of accountability towards local goals and business targets

Nice to Have’s:

• Previous auto industry or financial services experience
• Experience with Google Workspace, Salesforce, Tableau
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with employer HSA contributions (US) and FSA options (US)

• Immediately vested 401K (US) or RRSP (Canada) with company match

• Paid Vacation, Personal, and Sick Time

• Paid maternity and paternity leave (US)

• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D (US)

• Robust Employee Assistance Program

• Employer paid Leap into Service Day to volunteer

• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible programs

• Opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge across a publicly traded, global organization

• Company culture of internal promotions, diverse career paths, and meaningful advancement