Director of Consumer Lending

At Suffolk Credit Union, we empower our members and strengthen our community by promoting financial wellness, transparency, and respect. Join us to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health plans, lifestyle spending accounts, 401(k) matching, and support for work-life balance, along with employee engagement activities and opportunities for community involvement.

Role Overview: The Director of Consumer Lending is responsible for leading the strategic vision, operational oversight, and performance of Suffolk Credit Union's Consumer Lending division. This includes managing all facets of loan processing, underwriting, and loan operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals, regulatory compliance, and exceptional member service. This role requires a proactive leader with strong analytical and interpersonal skills to drive innovation and efficiency within the lending portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute the short- and long-term strategic goals of the Consumer Lending department as directed by Executive Management.
• Direct and oversee daily operations and long-term planning for consumer lending, including processing, underwriting, and loan servicing functions.
• Analyze product performance and market trends; recommend changes to loan products and pricing strategies.
• Manage team schedules, track training requirements, oversee timekeeping, and assign responsibilities across staff.
• Regularly review and audit lending reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate and enhance lending processes, policies, and underwriting guidelines to meet evolving market and member needs.
• Partner with internal departments to implement system improvements that support lending goals.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators concerning consumer lending practices.
• Provide timely and accurate reports and data analysis to Executive Management.
• Resolve complex or escalated member concerns regarding loan applications and processes.
• Guide members through loan options and provide financial counseling as needed.
• Underwrite loans within delegated authority or provide recommendations to the SVP of Consumer & Mortgage Lending.
• Review declined applications for potential exceptions or validate denial decisions.
• Approve loan disbursements, lien placements, and authorize lien releases.
• Prepare and manage the Consumer Lending department's annual operating budget in collaboration with the SVP of Consumer & Mortgage Lending.

Essential Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will have bachelor's degree in Business Administration. 8+ years of progressive experience in Consumer Lending. 3+ years in a leadership capacity, preferably at a Credit Union or Financial Institution.

• Expert knowledge of consumer lending processes and products, including auto loans, personal loans, home equity, and credit cards.
• Thorough understanding of key lending regulations: Truth in Lending, HMDA, ECOA, FCRA, UCC, RESPA, HUD, Fair Housing, FDCPA, and NCUA guidelines.
• Strong working knowledge of credit union policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply lending policies to real-world scenarios.
• Proven skills in credit analysis, decision-making, and risk management.
• Strong reporting and data analysis capabilities, especially financial and loan performance data.
• Outstanding member service and communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership abilities.
• High proficiency in relevant software applications and lending platforms.
• Ability to manage, motivate, and lead professional-level staff.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Self-directed and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of credit union loan policies as well the following regulations: Truth in Lending, HMDA, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Uniform Commercial Code, HUD, RESPA, Fair Housing Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as well as lending related laws and other NCUA regulations