SVP Consumer Lending

Arkansas Federal Credit Union•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the Credit Union’s consumer lending and sales functions, with full accountability for developing a high-performing team and optimizing consumer credit performance. The role oversees Direct and Indirect Consumer Loan Underwriting, Consumer Loan Processing, Consumer Sales, and the Credit Card Portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards. The incumbent balances growth and profitability with sound credit risk practices, directly influencing portfolio performance and the Credit Union’s overall financial health. Through effective leadership, coaching, and strategic execution, this role drives revenue growth, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in lending products, processes, and policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
8 years related experience/training
6 years related management experience

Responsibilities

Oversee Consumer Lending (Direct & Indirect Underwriting, Direct & Indirect Processing, Consumer Sales, and the Credit Card Portfolio) and maximize profitability and efficiency in each business unit.
Responsible for monitoring the day-to-day activity within Consumer Loan Underwriting, Consumer Loan Processing, Consumer Sales, and the Credit Card Portfolio. Answers questions of policy and procedures. Has Loan exception authority. (Current portfolio is $1.4 billion).
Ensures all facets of consumer loans are underwritten, processed, booked, and funded in a timely manner and within guidelines/procedures with exceptions documented appropriately within established authority.
Ensures loan underwriting and processing delivery channels are integrated and operating at levels to exceed member expectations. Monitor instant decisioning and that it accurately reflects the risk vs. reward in the Credit Unions loan portfolio.
Ensure that all loan documents are completed accurately and within the time frames established by management and as required by federal regulations.
Responsible for ensuring UCC filings, as applicable to Consumer Lending, are being processed by personnel on time and accurately.
Establish and maintain standards for response time for dealer call backs, loan fundings, and bookings.
Work with Payment Solutions and Mastercard to grow the Credit Card Portfolio, monitor loan quality, and address issues as needed while assuring proper loan reviews are conducted for regulatory compliance. (Current portfolio is $51million). Demonstrate mastery of and perform the functions of a Loan Underwriter.
Underwrite and process employee and Credit Union official's consumer loan applications. Underwrite and determine credit worthiness (Approve, Decline, Counter Offer) for member loan requests within given authority, as established by the Board of Directors.
Remain current and adhere to Credit Union policies and procedures as they pertain to security standards and Article 9 UCC laws' title laws as well as working knowledge of title registration for Arkansas and out of state.
Responsible for analyzing and maintaining Consumer Loan Underwriting and Processing policies, procedures, and to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and maximize efficiency. Recommends alterations or revisions to loan policies and procedures.
Develops required new policies and procedures for approval by the President/CEO and/or Board of Directors.
Monitors market conditions and industry trends to ensure pricing is fair and competitive. Establishes and manages relationships with auto, marine, motorcycle, RV dealers, and retail merchants while promoting the utilization of products available through AFCU to obtain forecasted loan origination and revenue goals. Dealers will initiate contact at varied hours (including nights, weekends, and holidays) that often require immediate response in order to maintain meaningful relationships.
Address issues and/or concerns with members, branches, dealers, and/or other related 3rd parties as they arise.
Communicate and correspond regarding loans or applicable collateral/security. Counsels with members having complex or "exceptional" problems requiring special knowledge or authority. Advises the EVP/Chief Lending Officer of unusual complaints, calls, and letters received.
Monitor, interpret and communicate Lending Regulations to necessary personnel, as they pertain to Indirect Loans (Sales, Underwriting, and Processing).
Educates Credit Union lending staff with the assistance of the EVP/CLO, Consumer Lending staff and select Branch Leadership, on new sales opportunities and techniques, service philosophies, and workflow enhancements. Participates in Lending Lunch and Learn and continued training for Credit Union lending staff.
Ensure a positive working relationship between Retail Lending Staff, Consumer Loan Underwriters, Consumer Loan Processors/Agents, and Card Services. Responsible for ensuring maintenance of all data processing systems as they relate to Consumer Lending. Complete any data processing option changes in a timely manner for each required change.
Negotiate and review contracts as necessary for 3rd party purposes. Assists in the preparation of the Annual Plan/Budget.
Conduct meetings with staff to provide direction, review progress, and continually look for ways to streamline the workflow.
Ensure adequate and ongoing training of Consumer Loan Underwriters and Consumer Loan Processors. Assign, direct, coordinate and review work performed by Consumer Lending staff.
Ensure annual evaluations of work performance are performed for all Consumer Lending staff. Recommend promotions/salary increases within the department to the EVP/CLO.
Maintains current knowledge and pursues executive education to remain constantly aware of compliance, regulations, new ideas, approaches, and day-to-day changes in the Credit Union movement and financial industry. Maintains knowledge of Credit Union history, philosophy, organization, bylaws, and operational procedures.
Participates in community activities and organizations as a representative of the Credit Union and maintains current knowledge of the needs of the communities served.
Provides the Supervisory Committee, Certified Public Accountants and federal examiners with information on Lending procedures and ensures that needed information is available for their use.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.