VP Consumer Lending

MERITRUST CREDIT UNION•Wichita, KS

About The Position

Responsible for the administrative, strategic and supervisory functions of the Consumer Lending Department. Develops and manages the operations and establishes strategies that are aligned to organizational objectives, enhancing service to our members and maximizing the profitability of the consumer loan portfolio. Establish policies, underwriting guidelines, performance tracking and process enhancement. Manages vendor relationships including identifying vendors to improve efficiencies and enhance product offerings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business related field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Thorough understanding of lending regulations, lien laws and loan documentation
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a consumer lending function, including experience with indirect lending, home equity lending, product pricing, credit card underwriting.
Three years senior management experience.
Proven experience in driving key strategic initiatives.
Strategic Leadership: Drive multi-channel lending strategy (direct, indirect, home equity) with clear growth, profitability, and risk objectives.
Credit & Risk Management: Establish and maintain underwriting standards, monitor portfolio performance, and implement proactive risk controls.
Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of consumer lending regulations (TILA, ECOA, FCRA, HMDA, RESPA, Fair Lending) and ability to ensure full compliance.
Product & Channel Expertise: Develop competitive lending products and manage lifecycle across direct, dealer, and home equity channels.
Sales & Customer Experience: Optimize branch, digital, and dealer performance; enhance customer experience and streamline processes.
Operational Excellence & Technology: Oversee lending systems, workflow automation, and digital enablement to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
Financial Acumen: Manage pricing, margins, and forecasting; align lending strategies with balance sheet and profitability goals.
Talent Development: Build and lead high-performing teams; foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Vendor & Partner Management: Oversee third-party providers and dealer relationships; ensure performance and compliance with SLAs.
Executive Communication: Present portfolio performance, risk insights, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and the Board

Responsibilities

Directs the development and implementation of strategy for the consumer lending (direct/indirect/home equity) departments and ensures execution to deliver on growth objectives for loan originations, fee income, interest income and return on assets.
Drives process efficiencies through technology, product and service innovations. Utilizes data to formulate effective business strategies in support of objectives.
Leads activities related to offering new lending products and/or existing product enhancement. Includes staying abreast and researching product trends, working/partnership with vendors for innovation in products or service delivery.
Develop market analysis data that is used to identify market trends and support consumer lending initiatives.
Evaluates the direct/indirect and home equity loan portfolios, analyzes developing trends and recommends changes/improvements in alignment with credit union standards, practices and organizational risk tolerance to ensure quality and profitability.
Monitor competitive pricing and product features positioning to allow for optimized pricing.
Participate in the Asset/Liability Committee to monitor economic conditions, adjustments, and effects on the credit union portfolio and appropriate pricing responses to competitive markets.
Monitor product offerings, sales and product sales penetration to ensure members are protected and staff are fully versed on product offerings and sales techniques.
Ensure delivery of service expectations; monitor results including NPS, member and employee feedback to achieve objectives for service, profitable growth, efficiency and exceptional member experiences.
Make process or service delivery adjustments to enhance application/closing process for members.
Responsible for loan participation due diligence, not limited to reviewing underwriting standards, processing standards, and loan policy guidelines.
Oversee underwriting and loan fulfillment strategies for indirect vehicle line of business.
Continuously assess and adjust existing underwriting practices, processes, and procedures to ensure optimal risk mitigation and adherence to regulations.
Evaluate, refine, and optimize dealer partners and arrangements to ensure desired ROA while building satisfactory relationships with dealerships, F & I offices, and sales teams.
Collaborates across multiple areas of the organization including Compliance, Special Accounts, Accounting, IT, and Retail to ensure business unit activities and strategies are consistent and aligned with overall financial and risk objectives and operational capabilities.
Maintains knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations that affect direct/indirect consumer and home equity lending. Identifies problems and recommends solutions to enhance operational efficiencies, improve member experiences.
Responsible for internal controls and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Guide, coach, and mentor direct, indirect and home equity reports. Provide learning opportunities to develop knowledge & skills. Offer meaningful feedback and create ownership of lending objectives at the individual level.
Foster a positive and engaging work environment for each team member.