Team Lead – Inventory Finance Operations

Position Overview

The Team Lead, Inventory Finance Operations is responsible for managing a best-in-class North America Inventory Finance (NA IF) Operations team managing administrative and operational functions relating to inventory line of credit requests, vendor program agreements and systems configuration. This role encompasses the day-to-day supervision of the Inventory Finance Operations staff.

About the Role

This role includes leading alignment efforts to integrate US and Canada Inventory Finance Operations teams and operating as NA IF team. It involves developing consistency by identifying and implementing best practices, seeking opportunities to refine processes, building efficiencies and automating where possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead alignment efforts to integrate US and Canada Inventory Finance Operations teams and operate as NA IF team.
• Develop consistency by identifying and implementing best practices, seek opportunities to refine processes, build efficiencies and automate where possible.
• Prepare Vendor Program Agreements consistent with credit approval terms and proposal letters. Once executed Vendor documents are received draft document templates for use by the team in accordance with VPA. If there are any program changes, update the document package accordingly ensuring the Documentation team has access to the correct documents.
• Prepare, file and update UCC Filings.
• Aid in Operational Excellence Projects as assigned.
• Review documents prepared by the Dealer Documentation Specialist and complete the Inventory Finance Dealer Checklists as defined by the IF SOX Narrative. Review the system set up and activate the dealer, linking dealer plans per the credit approval.
• Maintain high level of proficiency in the Wholesale system, including plan creation, Dealer and Supplier creation.
• Manage SOX walk by providing required documentation to internal and external auditors.
• Provide excellent customer service to all manufacturer and dealer partners.
• Ensure all new lines are activated in a timely and efficient manner, coordinating with Ops, Risk and Accounting. Provide ongoing status updates and reporting to Management as required, make recommendations when pain points are encountered.
• Set up new Vendor lines in the Wholesale system per the terms and conditions in the Vendor credit approval and vendor documentation.
• Maintain the Inventory Finance pipeline report, which tracks the status of all prospective dealers for the business unit. Run the weekly pipeline meeting with Sales, Credit and Operations, keeping the teams updated on all progress and potential issues.
• Aid the documentation team as needed, in generating systemic documents in accordance with credit review.
• Review daily fundings for booking accuracy, initiate funds disbursement and send reports as needed.
• Review pending order requests for the funding team.
• Process restructure requests in the Wholesale System as approved by leadership.
• Verify that wire information obtained by the Inventory Finance team to prevent fraud.
• Draft payoff letters, intercreditor agreements and default letters as required. If documents need to be negotiated work with GM and Senior Risk Officer.
• All other duties as assigned.

  Key Performance Indicators

  • Turning approvals and documents in a timely manner.
  • Continuously working to improve operational efficiency.

  Responsibility and Decision-Making Authority

  Act independently; Decision-making within Company policy.

  Management/Supervisory Responsibilities

  Responsible for the day to day management of the Inventory Finance Operations team.

  Qualifications

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • 5 years of experience in Inventory Finance.
    • Highly organized, detail oriented self-starter, ability to work with minimal supervision.
    • Strong computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, Vision, Wholesale System and Onbase.
    • Ability to produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude.
    • Excellent communication skills, oral and written, with ability to work well with employees in multiple departments.
  • Education And Experience:
    • Minimum of 5 years experience in Inventory Finance Dealer Documentation or Operations experience.
    • Commercial loan documentation preparation, or review experience a plus.

  Tools And Equipment Used

  • Personal computer.
  • Copier.
  • Phone.
  • Other typical office equipment.

  Physical Demands

  • Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment.
  • Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
  • Ability to speak to and hear customers and/or other employees via phone or in person.
  • Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move from one office location to another.

  Working Hours

  • Hours may vary and will require some evening work; frequently requires working 40-45 hours/week depending on business needs.
  • Occasional travel related to transactions and attendance at industry seminars.

  Physical Demands

  • Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment.
  • Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
  • Ability to speak to and hear customers and/or other employees via phone or in person.
  • Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move from one office location to another.

  Additional Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(k) and matching.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Company Paid Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Training and Development Opportunities.
  • Employee Discounts.