Dealer Merchant Relationship Officer

Dealer/Merchant Relationship Officer

The credit union is a values-driven organization. Our Core Values are at the center of everything we do and are the driving force behind our mission: We help people and communities prosper.

1. Everyone Counts - We promote a diverse and fair workplace to better serve our Members, Team Members and Communities, fostering an environment of transparency, trust, and respect.

2. Innovate Boldly – We dream big, challenge the status quo, move with agility, and embrace data-driven decisions. We listen and continuously make the impossible possible.

3. Embrace the Fun! – We take joy in our work by welcoming kindness, integrity, and authenticity.

4. Own It – Valley Strong is ours to grow. We hold ourselves accountable to doing our best work every day and are empowered to do what's right.

Position Summary

The Dealer/Merchant Relationship Officer divides their time between indirect auto dealer and merchant 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 to 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.

Essential Duties

Maintain strong dealer and merchant relationships

Develop new dealer/merchant contacts and relations

Sign up new dealers and merchants:

• Dealers – 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

All team members must 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.

Essential Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education

Minimum Years of Experience Comments 2 year minimum experience

Language Skills

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.

Mathematical Skills

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.

Reasoning Ability

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.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Team Member occasionally must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Skills and Abilities

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.