Relationship Specialist

OPENLANE; Kenly (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Immediately vested 401K (US) or RRSP (

Paid Vacation, Personal, and Sick Time

Paid maternity and paternity leave (US

Job summary

AFC (Automotive Finance Corporation) seeks a Relationship Specialist to build strong dealer relationships and manage financing options for independent auto dealers. You will handle client interactions, assess risks, and grow AFC revenue within your territory.

Based in Wilmington or Raleigh area, you will travel 50–75% to support current and prospective customers, using CRM tools to track activity and opportunities while maintaining a people-first approach and high accountability.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in customer-facing, sales or sales support roles.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel 50–75% within the market.
• Proven sales aptitude and ability to resolve dealer issues.

Responsibilities

• Use CRM tools to understand customer needs and manage work queues.
• Grow portfolio organically and support promotional efforts for campaigns.
• Manage, service, and balance risk on customer accounts.
• Drive new growth opportunities and nurture existing accounts.
• Collaborate with team to support dealer success.

Skills

Customer service

Sales experience

CRM tools

Communication

Time management

Tools

Salesforce

Tableau

Google Workspace

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 in either Wilmington, NC or Raleigh, NC 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 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