Team Lead – Inventory Finance Operations

Team Lead – Inventory Finance Operations

Full‑time position based in Auburn Hills, MI, US.

Salary Range: $80,956.00 to $91,804.00 annually.

Position Overview

The Team Lead, Inventory Finance Operations is responsible for managing a best‑in‑class North America Inventory Finance (NA IF) Operations team, handling administrative and operational functions related to inventory line of credit requests, vendor program agreements, and system configuration. The role includes day‑to‑day supervision of Inventory Finance Operations staff, drafting and reviewing documentation, system setup, lien perfection, and process improvement. Primary responsibilities focus on vendor and dealer facing functions, communicating pain points, and interfacing with Accounting, Compliance, and IT.

Commitment to Internal Control

The incumbent must understand, abide, and uphold internal controls related to the essential duties of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead alignment efforts to integrate US and Canada Inventory Finance Operations teams and operate as the NA IF team.
• Develop consistency by implementing best practices, refining processes, building efficiencies, and automating where possible.
• Prepare Vendor Program Agreements consistent with credit approval terms and proposal letters; draft document templates for use by the team; update documents when program changes occur.
• Prepare, file, and update UCC filings.
• Assist with Operational Excellence Projects as assigned.
• Review dealer documentation, complete finance dealer checklists per the IF SOX Narrative, review system setup, and activate dealers linking dealer plans to credit approvals.
• Maintain proficiency in the Wholesale system (plan creation, dealer and supplier creation).
• Manage SOX walk‑by by providing required documentation to internal and external auditors.
• Provide excellent customer service to manufacturer and dealer partners.
• Ensure timely activation of new lines, coordinate with Ops, Risk, and Accounting, provide status updates and reporting to management, and recommend improvements when pain points arise.
• Set up new vendor lines in the Wholesale system per vendor credit approval.
• Maintain the Inventory Finance pipeline report, run weekly pipeline meetings with Sales, Credit, and Operations, and update teams on progress and potential issues.
• Assist the documentation team with generating documents in accordance with credit review.
• Review daily fundings for booking accuracy, initiate fund disbursement, and send reports as needed.
• Review pending order requests for the funding team.
• Provide training/coaching and prepare annual performance evaluations for Operations team members.
• Process restructure requests in the Wholesale System as approved by leadership.
• Verify wire information to prevent fraud.
• Draft payoff letters, intercreditor agreements, and default letters; negotiate documents with GM and Senior Risk Officer when necessary.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Key Performance Indicators

• Turn approvals and documents in a timely manner.
• Continuously improve operational efficiency.

Responsibility and Decision‑Making Authority

• Act independently within company policy.

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Day‑to‑day management of the Inventory Finance Operations team.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• 5+ years of experience in Inventory Finance.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, self‑starter capable of working 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 oral and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with multiple departments.

• Minimum 5 years of Inventory Finance dealer documentation or operations experience.
• Commercial loan documentation preparation or review experience – plus.

• Personal computer, copier, phone, and other typical office equipment.

• Hours may vary and may include evening work; typically 40–45 hours per week based on business needs.

• Occasional travel related to transactions and attendance at industry seminars.

• 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 other employees via phone or in person.
• Ability to move between office locations.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Paid Time Off.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Training and Development Opportunities.