Dealer Merchant Relationship Officer

Valley Strong Credit Union•Bakersfield, CA

16h•$75,100 - $105,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Dealer Merchant Relationship Officer is responsible for indirect auto dealer sales/service calls, problem solving issues, and keeping the channels of communication open between the dealers/merchants and credit union. The major function is to establish, build and maintain indirect business relationships. This will be done by in-person visits, lunches and/or other outside activities. While in the field, sales and dealer/merchant relations will be their primary function. In addition, as issues and problems arise, she/he will be a primary contact for the dealer/merchant and will gather all necessary information to resolve the problem. They will champion problem resolution with the dealers/merchants. The position requires the ability to work independently with minimum supervision. They need to understand and maintain thorough underwriting knowledge while applying Valley Strong CU guidelines including dealer and merchant portfolio considerations. The position needs to be able to create and maintain good business relationships in person and over the phone with dealer/merchant personnel. They are expected to manage the pressure of adverse decisions while still maintaining positive relations with the dealer/merchant personnel. The position must balance the dealer/merchant expectations and the ability to multitask between back office, sales, finance and owners.

Requirements

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to Members and other Team Members at the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute dividends and interest.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Must be able to process transactions in an efficient manner.
Must be able to communicate policies and procedures to Members in an easily understood and professional manner.
Must comply with all Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and other Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and regulations, as they pertain to federal guidelines and internal policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Maintain strong dealer and merchant relationships
Develop new dealer/merchant contacts and relations
Sign up new dealers and merchants: Determine preferred method of submitting applications, either through CUDL, RouteOne or Dealertrack. If through RouteOne or Dealertrack collect and process appropriate legal paperwork. If through CUDL, activate the dealer through CUDL’s Lending 360.
Set dealer/merchant volume goals with VP of Consumer Lending and Director of Wholesale Lending and monitor progress
Handle dealer complaints and develop/maintain dealer confidence
Gather information for 2nd look requests at dealerships, provide alternatives for success
Create, maintain, and communicate new rate sheets, promotions, and programs.
Liaison on dealer/merchant issues and recommend win / win solutions to management
Communicate program changes to the dealers, as necessary
Comply with regulatory compliance and assigned training requirements including but not limited to BSA regulations corresponding to their specific job duties. This includes the SAFE Act. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary and other employment related actions.
The position will not have lending authority but will have the knowledge to determine when an application warrants an additional review by an underwriter, Director of Wholesale Lending or above. The typical types of applications will include but not be limited to loan decisions that fall within the CU lending authority and limitations and 2nd look requests that may or may not fall within the CU standard guidelines.
When reviewing underwriting with the dealership, the position is expected to immediately notify the Director of Wholesale Lending of any negative trends or adverse selection. In order to avoid any conflicts with the dealerships or merchants, it is highly recommended that the position does not attempt to immediately address underwriting exceptions or variations from guidelines outside lending authority. Instead, the position should refer to the Director of Wholesale Lending for guidance.
Performs other duties as assigned.