Empower Federal Credit Union · 23 hours ago
Indirect Lending & Loan Operations Manager (Hybrid in Syracuse, NY)
1 Member Way, 1 Member Way, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$99K/yr - $148K/yr
5+ years expEmpower Federal Credit Union is committed to positively impacting members by providing affordable financial services. The Indirect Lending & Loan Operations Manager provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Credit Union's indirect lending channel, driving loan growth and overseeing high-volume underwriting and processing operations.
BankingFinanceFinancial ServicesNon Profit
Responsibilities
Lead a team of underwriters responsible for evaluating complex loan files in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Review and approve loans exceeding individual underwriter authority or those outside standard guidelines, ensuring sound credit decisions
Mentor staff in critical-thinking underwriting, balancing risk tolerance with organizational growth and portfolio performance goals
Monitor underwriting quality, consistency, and adherence to policy through regular audits and feedback sessions
Collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Finance to refine lending guidelines, pricing strategies, and risk-mitigation controls
Manage and strengthen dealer relationships, ensuring alignment with service expectations, production goals, and compliance standards
Identify and recommend new dealer partnerships, market opportunities, and geographic expansion strategies to grow indirect loan volume
Serve as the primary liaison with dealer representatives to ensure seamless communication, timely issue resolution, and consistent service delivery
Monitor dealer performance metrics and recommend adjustments to pricing, programs, or engagement strategies
Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development to support dealer-facing initiatives and promotional campaigns
Oversee loan processing workflows to ensure timely and accurate verification of income, employment, insurance, and collateral values
Coordinate loan closings, funding, and ACH payments to dealers, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely turnaround
Manage follow-up processes for pending files, reducing delays and improving speed-to-funding metrics
Implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and quality-control measures to enhance operational efficiency
Partner with internal departments (Accounting, Titles, Member Services) to ensure smooth post-funding transitions
Serve as Lead System Administrator for LOS platforms and indirect portals (Dealertrack, RouteOne), ensuring optimal configuration and uptime
Maintain and update system users, roles, permissions, interest rates, workflows, automated documents, and decision-engine rules
Partner with IT, Compliance, and third-party vendors to implement system enhancements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure regulatory alignment
Manage the internal work-ticket queue, resolving technical bottlenecks and workflow disruptions to maintain operational continuity
Lead testing, validation, and documentation for system upgrades, new features, and process changes
Analyze portfolio trends, consumer behavior, dealer performance, and operational KPIs to inform strategic decisions and policy updates
Serve as Project Manager for lending initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely testing, implementation, and documentation
Use individual staff performance analytics to provide coaching, development plans, and performance evaluations
Prepare and present reports to senior leadership on production trends, risk indicators, operational performance, and market opportunities
Lead continuous-improvement initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, and long-term portfolio health
Ensure indirect lending operations comply with federal and state regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements
Support internal and external audit activities by providing documentation, responding to findings, and implementing corrective actions
Contribute to policy reviews, risk assessments, and governance activities to strengthen overall lending controls
Perform all other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
5 to 8 years in consumer or indirect lending within a mid-to-large financial institution
3+ years leading underwriting, loan operations, or indirect lending teams
Experience managing high-volume production environments ($500M'$1B+ annually)
Proven success building and maintaining dealer relationships and driving market growth
Hands-on experience with LOS platforms (e.g., MeridianLink Consumer) and indirect portals (Dealertrack, RouteOne)
Strong background in credit risk assessment, portfolio monitoring, and policy interpretation
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with IT, Compliance, Risk, and Finance on system and process enhancements
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
Advanced analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations
Technical proficiency with lending systems, workflow automation, and digital lending tools
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, especially in dealer-facing environments
Leadership and coaching ability to develop high-performing underwriting and processing teams
Operational excellence mindset, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement
Sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-risk or exception-based lending scenarios
Project management skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from concept to implementation
Benefits
Medical and Dental Insurance
401K with Employer Match
Holiday Pay
Paid Time Off
And more!
Company
Empower Federal Credit Union
Empower Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that provides savings, loan, and transaction services to members in Central New York, and in eight counties in New York State.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jen Wolfe
EVP, Chief Operating Officer
Lori Verzillo
SVP Chief Retail Officer
Recent News
American Banker
2022-12-16
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