Director- USA Specialty Lending

About Us: We pride ourselves on innovation, teamwork, training and development and career planning. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in an inclusive and supportive environment. Represent our company in the community and form lasting relationships with our members and partners.

About This Role: We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director of Specialty Lending to lead and grow our portfolio in the marine, RV, specialty auto, aircraft and any other consumer-focused product developed and launched under our specialty lending brand. This is a leadership role that reports to the Vice President, Specialty Lending and will be responsible for developing strategies to expand our lending capabilities, build strong relationships with finance brokers / sources who work with dealers and manufacturers for the types of specialty collateral financed, and ensure optimal performance of the specialty lending portfolio.

As the Director of Specialty Lending, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team, leverage your expertise in the industry, and lead the charge in driving innovation and profitability. This role requires a deep understanding of the unique financing needs of marine, RV, specialty auto, aircraft, along with strong leadership, relationship, and business development skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the strategic plan for specialty lending, focusing on boats, RVs, specialty auto and aircraft, to ensure growth, profitability, and competitive advantage.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Underwriters, a Program Manager, and other lending staff, ensuring that all team members are aligned with business goals and member needs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set the direction for product offerings, risk management, and pricing strategies within the specialty lending sector.
• Ability to think out of the box to present and develop unique initiatives for constant improvement, efficiencies that will enable the specialty lending division to provide first class service at all times and differentiate us from the competition.
• Embrace, promote, and execute upon the "vision" for the specialty lending division.
• Build and maintain relationships with boat, RV, specialty auto, and aircraft finance brokers/sources who work with dealers, manufacturers, and brokers for the types of specialty collateral financed to drive business growth.
• Identify new opportunities to expand the customer base and develop targeted marketing initiatives.
• Drive partnerships with key industry players to enhance loan product offerings and market penetration.
• Oversee the management of the specialty lending portfolio, ensuring optimal risk management and profitability.
• Regularly assess loan performance, monitor trends in the market, and adjust lending strategies accordingly to minimize defaults and losses.
• Develop and implement collection and recovery strategies to ensure optimal asset performance.
• Ensure strong underwriting practices that align with company policies and industry regulations.
• Work closely with the risk management team to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with loans in the boat, RV, specialty auto, and aircraft sectors.
• Continuously monitor and report on market trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes that may impact lending.
• Become proficient with current Loan Operating System (LOS) and new LOS (currently targeted for end of 2025).
• Develop new underwriting offerings and products (e.g. Stated income program, auto-decisioning, improvements to underwriting guidelines, policies, and procedures from time to time), by focusing on working smarter vs. harder through the use of technology and/or other means.
• Update underwriting guidelines and procedures as applicable for constant improvement and to promote efficiencies, and to improve the level of service provided.
• Ensure all specialty lending activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Oversee the preparation of regular reports for senior management, providing insights into portfolio performance, market conditions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred).
• Minimum of 5 - 7 years of experience in specialty lending, with a focus on boats, RVs, specialty auto and/or aircraft financing.
• Proven track record of managing and growing a successful lending portfolio.
• Strong understanding of the underwriting, risk management, and regulatory requirements associated with specialty lending.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to drive results and inspire high performance.
• Excellent business development and relationship management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of the boat, RV, specialty auto, and aircraft markets, including dealer networks, pricing trends, and financing options.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to assess complex financial data and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in financial software (e.g. Excel and other forms of financial software) and systems, including loan servicing platforms and portfolio management tools.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.