Sub-Prime Finance Manager

Kaizen Automotive Group•Toronto, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sub-Prime Finance Manager specializes in securing financing for customers with non-prime and sub-prime credit profiles while delivering a transparent, compliant, and customer-centric experience. This role partners closely with the Sales team to structure approvable deals, builds strong relationships with non-prime lenders, and presents tailored protection products that align with the customer’s needs and budget. The ideal candidate combines deep lender knowledge with empathetic communication, strong compliance discipline, and a focus on profitability and funding speed.

Requirements

Proven success in automotive F&I with a focus on non-prime/sub-prime lending (e.g., 2+ years) required.
Strong understanding of lender programs, credit tiers, stip requirements, advance structures, and backend product allowances.
Excellent credit analysis, deal-desk, and negotiation skills, with the ability to balance approvals, customer affordability, and profitability.
High standards of ethics and compliance; thorough knowledge of required disclosures, privacy, identity verification, and anti-fraud procedures.
Exceptional communication skills with an empathetic, solutions-oriented approach to customers rebuilding credit.
Proficiency with DMS/CRM systems, lender portals, and office software (Excel, Outlook, Word).
Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple deals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively with Sales, Accounting, and management.
High school diploma required.
Licensing/registration for selling credit/insurance products as required by local or provincial regulations.

Nice To Haves

post-secondary education in business, finance, or related field is an asset.

Responsibilities

Analyze credit applications and bureaus, structure deals that meet lender guidelines, and secure timely approvals with optimal terms.
Maintain and grow relationships with sub-prime lenders and OEM finance partners; negotiate terms, stips, and callbacks to maximize approvals and gross.
Prepare accurate, complete deal jackets; ensure all disclosures, verification, and stipulations are satisfied to accelerate funding and reduce chargebacks.
Transparently present and sell protection products (warranty, GAP where applicable, protection plans) aligned to customer needs and lender allowances.
Uphold all dealership, OEM, and regulatory standards (privacy, disclosures, Red Flags/AML, unfair/deceptive practices, credit-related regulations) and pass internal/OEM audits.
Provide clear explanations of finance terms, lender conditions, and next steps; manage expectations and support long-term credit-rebuilding guidance.
Work with Sales, Used/New Car Managers, and Accounting to ensure clean deal flow, accurate booking, and on-time deliveries.
Track KPIs (approval rates, look-to-book, product penetration, PVR, funding cycle time, chargeback rate) and implement action plans to improve results.
Support inbound/outbound special-finance leads; maintain rigorous CRM notes and follow-up cadence to increase show and close rates.
Standardize stips checklists, lender matrices, and desk tools; coach Sales on credit-profile discovery and realistic payment positioning.
Identify potential fraud, straw purchases, and high-risk structures; escalate per policy and document decisions thoroughly.
Mentor Sales Consultants on special-finance workflows and documentation best practices.
All other duties as assigned by Corporate or Store leadership.