Director Credit & Buying

At Exeter Finance, we are committed to helping customers find the right financing for their next vehicle purchase. By building strong relationships with our customers and network of dealer partners we are able to give options that make sense, getting customers behind the wheel of their car. 

Every team member is integral to our success. Whether you’re at a servicing center helping customers with their loans, in the field building relationships with dealers, or supporting the company from its corporate offices, you'll enjoy a nurturing, invigorating and positive work environment.

Our vision is to be a premier finance company and lender of choice known for its People, Performance and Service.

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing and managing the credit function within the organization. This role plays a critical part in setting the company’s credit policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and overseeing credit risk management practices. This position will lead a team of credit professionals, providing strategic direction and guidance on credit risk analysis, underwriting, and decision-making. This position requires strong leadership, advanced knowledge of credit risk, and the ability to collaborate with other departments to achieve business objectives while managing and mitigating risk.

Job Duties

• Lead the development and implementation of the company’s credit strategy, policies, and procedures to ensure sound credit risk management practices are followed across all lending activities.
• Oversee and manage the credit underwriting process, ensuring the timely and accurate evaluation of credit applications, including analysis of credit reports, financial statements, and risk assessments.
• Analyze and manage credit risk across the company’s portfolio, working with senior leadership to establish risk tolerance levels and ensure credit decisions align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust credit risk management framework that effectively identifies, measures, and mitigates risks associated with lending activities.
• Manage and lead the credit team, ensuring the team has the necessary resources, training, and guidance to meet performance goals, maintain high standards of accuracy, and improve credit decisioning processes.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Risk, Compliance, Operations, and Sales, to ensure that credit policies are effectively implemented and aligned with overall business objectives.
• Monitor and assess credit portfolio performance, identifying trends, potential risks, and opportunities to improve portfolio quality, profitability, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide ongoing analysis and recommendations to senior leadership regarding changes in credit risk, market trends, or regulatory environments that may impact the company’s credit operations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of credit models, systems, and tools that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of credit decision-making.
• Lead efforts to improve the credit approval process, leveraging automation, technology, and data-driven insights to streamline workflows and improve turnaround times.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in TILA, RESPA, and other lending-related regulations, by continuously monitoring regulatory changes and adjusting processes as necessary.
• Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for the credit function to measure effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide leadership in handling escalated credit decisions and complex loan approvals, ensuring that risk is appropriately managed and business objectives are met.
• Participate in strategic planning and forecasting for the credit division, ensuring alignment with company-wide goals, budget considerations, and resource allocation.
• Represent the credit department in meetings with executive leadership, external stakeholders, and regulators, providing insights on credit strategy, portfolio performance, and risk management efforts.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the credit team stays up-to-date on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Education and Work Experience

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, degree preferred
• Work Experience: 12+ relevant experience 6+ leadership
• Significant experience in credit management, underwriting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of credit risk analysis and credit policy development.
• Proven track record in leadership and managing a credit team, including experience in developing and mentoring staff.
• Extensive knowledge of credit risk management principles, financial analysis, and credit scoring systems.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to credit and lending (e.g., TILA, RESPA, ECOA) and the ability to ensure compliance within the credit function.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess and manage risk while meeting business objectives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership, other departments, and external stakeholders.
• Experience with credit decisioning systems and models, with the ability to implement and improve credit scoring and risk assessment tools.
• A data-driven approach to managing credit portfolios, using performance metrics and key indicators to drive decision-making and process improvements.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a proven ability to manage complex credit decisions and handle escalated issues.
• Ability to balance risk management with business growth objectives, providing solutions that meet the company’s strategic goals.
• Expertise in financial statements, credit analysis, and risk assessment tools, along with proficiency in relevant software systems (e.g., credit management platforms, Microsoft Excel, and data analysis tools).
• A proactive, results-oriented mindset with the ability to drive continuous improvement in credit processes and operations.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to represent the credit function at the executive level and influence business outcomes.

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Exeter Finance LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate including

skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.