Credit Risk Strategy Specialist - Commercial/Small Business Lending

EXL•New Jersey, NJ

1d•$140,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

EXL’s Credit Risk Practice works with banks, fintechs, and financial institutions to design and implement risk management strategies. The Credit Risk Strategy Specialist will lead credit strategy development, portfolio management, and risk optimization for commercial and small business lending products, including commercial and corporate cards, small business cards and loans, commercial payments, and secured or unsecured commercial lines of credit. Experience with equipment lending, mortgages, or HELOCs is a plus. The position calls for strong analytical expertise and business acumen to turn data-driven insights into strategies that balance growth and profitability within clients’ risk appetites. It also requires consultative and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders. The role is remote in the United States, with occasional travel for important client meetings on the East Coast, including NY, NJ, and DE. The stated base salary range is $140,000–$170,000 per year, plus an annual bonus. Final compensation depends on factors such as skills, experience, work location, market conditions, and role scope.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
At least 6 years of experience in credit risk strategy, credit analytics, or risk management within consulting, banking, or financial services.
Strong expertise in commercial or small business lending products and credit lifecycle strategies.
Proficiency in SQL and Python or SAS.
Background in data modeling, segmentation, regression, and statistical techniques for risk decisioning.
Ability to translate complex analyses into clear recommendations for senior management.
Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder collaboration skills.
Knowledge of credit risk regulatory requirements, governance frameworks, and emerging trends in digital lending.
Proven experience managing client accounts and delivering measurable impact.
Business development experience or mindset, including proposal writing, solutioning, or contributions to revenue growth initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with equipment lending, mortgages, or HELOCs.
Tableau proficiency.
Experience using alternative data and innovative analytical approaches in credit strategy development.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and validate credit risk strategies across acquisition, underwriting, account management, exposure management, and collections.
Analyze portfolios using internal data, credit bureau attributes, and alternative data to identify growth, loss-mitigation, and risk-optimization opportunities.
Develop and enhance credit risk models and decision frameworks using advanced statistical and analytical techniques.
Deliver management information reports, dashboards, and performance reviews to monitor portfolio trends, evaluate strategy effectiveness, and inform business decisions.
Collaborate with client stakeholders and Product, Finance, Operations, Compliance, and Technology teams to align credit strategies with business objectives.
Monitor regulatory and governance requirements and ensure strategies adhere to compliance and audit standards.
Leverage new data sources, advanced analytics, and automation to strengthen credit risk capabilities.
Provide senior leadership with insights and recommendations on portfolio performance, emerging risks, and forward-looking strategies.
Build and maintain client relationships by understanding business needs and positioning EXL’s credit risk solutions.
Identify opportunities to expand client engagements through cross-selling or upselling analytics, modeling, and risk consulting services.
Partner with business development teams on proposals, client pitches, and delivery of value-driven outcomes.