About the position

Evaluates and decisions consumer loan applications in accordance with credit union policies, regulatory requirements, and sound risk management practices. This role serves as a subject matter expert for the underwriting team, providing guidance, training, and support while balancing portfolio growth with prudent lending decisions. The position collaborates with branch and lending staff, handles escalated member issues, contributes to process improvements, and ensures timely, accurate, and member-focused service. Performs supervisory duties in accordance with the credit union's policies and procedures and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Responsibilities include participating in the recruitment, interview, selection, and onboarding of employees; providing training and development; planning, assigning, and overseeing work; evaluating performance; coaching and counseling employees; administering recognition and corrective actions as appropriate; responding to employee concerns and supporting issue resolution; and supporting employment actions such as promotion, transfer, demotion, or separation in accordance with established policies and legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and performs necessary testing of new projects and/or process improvements for the Consumer Lending Dept., as needed.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert to the underwriting teams.
• Maximizes revenue by balancing market penetration with sound risk management principles
• Analyzes and ensures consumer loan applications are in compliance with Keesler Federal policies and guidelines utilizing credit bureau reports and other sources to support sound decision-making process.
• Actively participates in risk/opportunity meetings; evaluates risk issues.
• Stays abreast of constant changes in policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Responsible for working the consumer lending queues for consumer loan applications.
• Offers guidance and assistance with loan building, credit interpretation, credit union policies and procedures to other staff members as needed.
• Responsible for contributing to department goals and standards as assigned by Lending Management.
• Decisions or conditions loan requests within the loan authority, working with underwriters of higher authority to expedite decisions.
• Responsible for evaluating and reviewing reports
• Handles escalated member complaints in a courteous, professional manner
• Serves as point of contact in the absence of management.
• Builds and strengthens rapport with Branch personnel by effectively and promptly communicating credit decisions and providing prompt dealer service.
• Serves as a liaison between Central Lending and the Retail Branch staff.
• Monitors the queue for loan applications.
• Reviews and interprets credit reports and loan applications to make sound loan decisions within scope of authority and acceptable time parameters.
• Evaluates past and present credit information and other related factors in order to make a quality loan decision.
• Identifies and understands debt restructuring and alternatives to lending with regard to the security and best interests of the credit union as well as the member.
• Recognizes opportunities and suggests the cross selling of credit union products and services to members.
• Offers guidance and assistance with loan building, credit interpretation, credit union policies and procedures to other staff members as needed.
• Reviews loan documentation, verification of income, collateral appraisals and other documents as needed for loan underwriting, verifies approval loan notes prior to signing.
• Conducts training for the Underwriting team
• Responsible for compliance with all Federal regulations, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
• Other duties as assigned.
• Non-traditional work hours required. This can include but not limited to evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the functions of the position required.
• 5 - 7 years of similar or related consumer lending experience required.
• 5 - 7 years of previous auto finance retail underwriting (prime, sub-prime and / or non-prime) experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of consumer credit and trend analysis/analytics
• Advanced knowledge of origination programs/tools such as Meridian Link, JD Power, etc.
• Must demonstrate the ability to understand and implement changing loan policies and procedures.
• Proficient in the use of computers and standard office technology, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams).
• Demonstrates the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with members, coworkers, and external partners.
• Communicates information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and listens attentively to understand questions or concerns.
• Maintains a courteous, cooperative, and service-oriented approach in a variety of work situations, including those involving differing perspectives or needs.
• Builds positive working relationships and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive, and member-focused environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Supervisory experience preferred

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care expenses
• Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% match on the first 5% contributed by you
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement and Competitive Scholarships
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program