Indirect Lending Underwriter

About the role

As a member of our Consumer Lending Department, you will join a dynamic team of purpose-driven individuals committed to delivering exceptional service to our members.

Responsibilities

• Credit Underwriting and Decisioning: Review, analyze, underwrite, and decide indirect consumer loan applications.
• Assess Credit History: Evaluate credit history, income, employment, collateral, and overall risk profile.
• Approve, Deny, or Counteroffer Loans: Approve, deny, or counteroffer loans within assigned lending authority.
• Structure Loan Terms: Structure loan terms to align with risk tolerance and portfolio objectives.
• Identify Inconsistencies: Identify inconsistencies, red flags, and fraud indicators in application data.
• Underwrite Complex Scenarios: Underwrite complex scenarios, including self-employed borrowers and non-traditional income.
• Dealer Communication and Negotiation: Communicate credit decisions clearly and promptly to dealership partners, negotiate deal structure, advance, and terms to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, and provide alternative loan structures.
• Risk Management and Portfolio Quality: Apply sound underwriting judgment to appropriately balance risk and return considerations, ensure collateral valuation and structure sufficiently protect Credit Union interests, contribute to building a portfolio that meets credit quality, performance, and growth targets, and utilize pipeline and production reporting tools to manage workflow efficiently.
• Collaboration and Relationship Management: Build strong dealer relationships in order to obtain additional business, manage look-to-book metrics, and portfolio quality, coordinate with loan processors, funding specialists, and other internal stakeholders to support timely funding activities, assist team members within the Indirect Lending Department as needed, and escalate issues or adverse trends to management in a timely manner.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all decisions comply with relevant regulations and guidelines, maintain consistent application of fair lending practices, ensure accurate documentation and audit-ready loan files, and adhere to strict confidentiality protocols.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent Required
• Associate’s Degree Preferred
• 3+ Years of Indirect Lending or Underwriting Experience Required
• Experience in Indirect Auto Lending Strongly Preferred
• Experience Working with Dealership or CUSO Channels Preferred

Qualifications

• Strong Analytical and Credit Decisioning Skills
• Ability to Interpret Credit Reports, Income Documentation, and Collateral Valuations
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Strong Negotiation and Relationship Management Capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and Lending Platforms (e.g., CUDL or Comparable Systems)
• Ability to Manage High-Volume Workflow and Meet Deadlines
• Strong Organizational and Multitasking Skills
• Ability to Handle Confidential Information with Discretion
• Collaborative Mindset with Ability to Work Cross-Functionally

Skills and Competencies

• Strong Analytical and Credit Decisioning Skills
• Ability to Interpret Credit Reports, Income Documentation, and Collateral Valuations
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Strong Negotiation and Relationship Management Capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and Lending Platforms (e.g., CUDL or Comparable Systems)
• Ability to Manage High-Volume Workflow and Meet Deadlines
• Strong Organizational and Multitasking Skills
• Ability to Handle Confidential Information with Discretion
• Collaborative Mindset with Ability to Work Cross-Functionally

Physical Requirements

• Able to Bend, Sit, and Stand to Perform Primarily Sedentary Work with Limited Physical Exertion and Occasional Lifting of Up to 10 lbs.
• Capable of Climbing / Descending Stairs in an Emergency Situation
• Able to Operate Routine Office Equipment Including Computer Terminals and Keyboards, Telephones, Copiers, Facsimiles, and Calculators
• Able to Routinely Perform Work on Computer for an Average of 6-8 Hours Per Day, When Necessary
• Able to Work Extended Hours or Travel Off Site Whenever Required or Requested by Management
• Able to Work Regularly, Reliably, and Timely Attendance

Working Conditions

• Able to Routinely Perform Work Indoors in Climate-Controlled Shared Work Area with Minimal Noise
• Must Be Able to Read and Carry Out Various Written Instructions and Follow Oral Instructions
• Must Be Able to Complete Basic Mathematical Calculations, Spell Accurately, and Understand Computer Basics
• Must Be Able to Speak Clearly and Deliver Information in a Logical and Understandable Sequence
• Must Be Able to Deal Calmly and Professionally with Numerous Different Personalities from Diverse Cultures at Various Levels Within and Outside of the Organization and Demonstrate Highest Levels of Customer Service and Discretion When Dealing with the Public
• Must Be Able to Perform Responsibilities with Composure Under the Stress of Deadlines / Requirements for Extreme Accuracy and Quality and/or Fast Pace
• Must Be Able to Effectively Handle Multiple, Simultaneous, and Changing Priorities
• Must Be Capable of Exercising Highest Level of Discretion on Both Internal and External Confidential Matters
• Must Be Authorized to Work in the US