Dealer Merchant Relationship Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Our Values & Service Standards

Valley Strong is a values-driven organization. Our Core Values guide how we work, collaborate, and serve, and are the foundation of our mission. We help people and communities prosper.

Our Core Values

• 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.

• 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.

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

• - 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.

In addition to our Core Values, Team Members are expected to demonstrate our Signature 8 Experience.

Signature Hospitality

• The Showing Up Mindset - Being Fully present and intentional at work.

• Steps of Service - use my name, meet my needs, figure out what comes next, make the goodbye count.

• Acts of Hospitality - These are the actions that we do in every interaction, every time, with every Member.

• Building Rapport - Lead with presence, not a script, ask thoughtful, low-risk questions & share a compliment. Personalize the interaction as it unfolds.

Signature Experience

• Know Me - Every Member has a story. Every Member is unique.

• Engage Me - Always think "what else?" and always say "Thank you."

• WOW Me - Give a little extra. Seize the moment.

• Remember Me - The small details matter. make me feel valued.

Position Summary

Department

Lending Administration

The Dealer Merchant Relationship Officer is responsible for indirect auto dealer 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 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:
  • a. 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.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Min/Preferred

Education Level

Description

Minimum

4 Year / Bachelor's Degree

Or equivalent experience.

Experience

Minimum Years of Experience

Comments

5

N/A

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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions.