Sr Product Manager - Vehicle Lending

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

THE DETAILS

Job Code:

12092

Grade:

26S

Status:

Exempt

POSITION AND PURPOSE

The Senior Product Manager leads the strategy, development, enhancement, and ongoing optimization of Golden 1 Credit Union's direct and indirect vehicle lending products. This role is responsible for delivering competitive, member-focused solutions that drive loan growth, strengthen member relationships, enhance the member experience, and support the credit union's financial, operational, and risk objectives. The position oversees product performance through effective pricing, program design, process improvement, channel integration, and the development and execution of product promotions and campaigns.

The Senior Product Manager also leads cross-functional product and project initiatives, including market and competitive analysis, business case development, requirements gathering, risk assessment, implementation support, and campaign coordination. Working closely with operations, technology, finance, marketing, compliance, legal, and risk teams, this role delivers compliant, scalable lending solutions that increase product value, strengthen Golden 1's competitive position, and align with organizational strategy and member needs.

WHO WE ARE

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

WHO YOU ARE

You lead the strategy, development, and ongoing optimization of Golden 1’s direct and indirect vehicle lending products, ensuring they deliver value for members, support loan growth, and align with organizational objectives.

You are a strategic product leader who creates and executes vehicle lending product strategies that strengthen Golden 1’s competitive position and member value proposition.

You possess extensive experience leading product, program, and project management initiatives within financial services, with deep expertise in direct and indirect vehicle lending products and systems.

THE WORK

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Product Strategy and Roadmap: Develop and refine product strategies and roadmaps for Golden 1’s direct and indirect vehicle lending products across the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through launch, maturity, enhancement, and retirement. Incorporate member insights, dealer and market feedback, competitive intelligence, and business performance trends to identify opportunities for growth, differentiation, and improved member value.

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Product Development and Management: Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for direct and indirect vehicle lending products, including concept development, business case creation, product design, requirements definition, implementation, launch, ongoing performance management, enhancement, and lifecycle decisions. Partner closely with operations, technology, finance, risk management, marketing, and third-party partners to ensure successful delivery, adoption, and continuous optimization of product features, programs, pricing, and promotions.

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Customer Insights and Market Analysis: Conduct ongoing research and analysis of member needs, dealer experience, portfolio performance, competitive offerings, economic conditions, and emerging industry trends within vehicle lending. Translate insights into actionable recommendations related to product design, pricing, underwriting or decisioning strategies, channel enhancements, and lifecycle improvements.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional collaboration to gather requirements, define product specifications, prioritize initiatives, and support execution across the product lifecycle. Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including dealer-related and third-party service providers, to ensure effective delivery of product enhancements, campaigns, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

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Product Performance Monitoring: Establish and monitor key performance indicators and lifecycle metrics for direct and indirect vehicle lending products, including growth, yield, penetration, usage, credit performance, member experience, and promotional effectiveness. Continuously assess product performance, member feedback, and market trends to identify risks, opportunities, and priorities for enhancement, repositioning, or retirement.

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Regulatory Compliance: Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements affecting direct and indirect vehicle lending products. Ensure products, programs, promotions, and processes are designed, implemented, and managed in alignment with regulatory expectations, internal policies, and Golden 1’s risk management standards.

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Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.

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Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

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Bachelor’s Degree in related field required

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10+ years of product/program/project management experience (at least five years in a senior or lead role) with a focus on direct and indirect vehicle lending product and systems management within financial services organizations required

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Comprehensive knowledge of lending product principles, regulations, and industry best practices.

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Proven experience in project management, preferably in the financial services industry.

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Ability to understand product profitability models.

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Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

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Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional leaders, internal teams, and vendors.

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Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.

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Familiarity with Agile methodologies and product development frameworks.

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Strong understanding of the financial services market and products including digital transformations, use of analytics, cross-functional execution, and regulatory requirements.

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Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Visio; and Nitro Pro.

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Proven ability to meet deadlines, deliver high quality results, and demonstrate accountability and ownership of work and actions.

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Ability to successfully engage in multiple initiatives simultaneously with the ability to adapt to change and prioritize and manage competing demands.

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Robust analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills to critically evaluate requests to determine true needs and distinguish between solution ideas and requirements.

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Strong interpersonal skills required, including maintaining positive relationships with system stakeholders, providers, and key internal business partners.

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Solves Problems Proactively - Tackles complex issues independently

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Innovates and Applies Insights - Suggests improvements

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Delivers Results with Agility - Maintains quality during change 

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Collaborates Across Teams - Works effectively with peers 

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Influences and Persuades - Shares expertise to guide others 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL:

All levels of management and staff.

EXTERNAL:

C.C.U.L., community organizations, vendors, suppliers, and peers in financial institutions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work time includes weekend and after-hours time, based on organizational needs. This position works in-office where working conditions, lighting, temperature, audio, and workspace are all sufficient.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to constantly operate a computer and the ability to read, type, and communicate. Work may require the ability to move work-related supplies weighing up to 10-15 pounds.

DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.

DECLARATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description outlines the essential functions and physical/mental requirements necessary to perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.