VP, Credit Risk and Data Science

VP, Credit Risk and Data Science (911620)

Purpose Financial, Inc. is an innovative consumer financial services company that offers a diverse suite of credit products, promoting financial inclusion and meeting consumers wherever they are. Through its brands, the company is committed to helping customers achieve their version of financial stability in the moment and in the future. Since 1997, Purpose Financial has been a pioneer in the consumer credit and financial services market offering money solutions in over 800 storefront locations and online lending.

Providing services in over 23 states, Purpose Financial employs over 2,500 team members.

At Purpose Financial we are always on the lookout for motivated individuals who share in our values of mutual respect to join our team of outstanding professionals.

• Competitive Wages
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Business Casual Environment
• Rewards & Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Office in downtown Greenville that offers free parking, onsite gym, free snacks/drinks

The VP, Credit Risk & Data Science will lead the strategy, governance, and execution of Purpose Financial’s credit risk framework across all lending products. This leader is accountable for disciplined credit practices, modern underwriting strategy, robust portfolio monitoring, and effective risk governance that enables profitable, responsible growth. This role requires a strategic operator comfortable in a high-velocity environment. The ideal candidate is a forward-looking thinker who can bridge credit risk, data science, product strategy, and operations.

They bring a portfolio-level perspective, can influence cross‑functional executives, and thrive in building systems that scale across multiple products and states.

• Define, maintain, and execute the company’s credit risk strategy in alignment with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Establish and oversee lending policies, underwriting standards, and credit decision frameworks across portfolio segments.
• Underwriting, Decisioning, and Modeling.
• Design and evolve underwriting models, A/B testing decision frameworks, and segmentation strategies.
• Ensure underwriting models, rules, and policies are consistent, explainable, and scalable.
• Lead portfolio forecasting, scenario modeling, and risk‑adjusted return analyses in partnership with Product Management team to support executive decision‑making.

• Monitor portfolio performance, delinquency , loss trends, recoveries, and segment‑level risk exposure across all channels and tactics.
• Identify emerging risks early and design proactive responses grounded in leading indicators.
• Guide the development and enhancement of diagnostic tools to improve portfolio management.

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Influence

• Build strong partnerships with Product, Finance, Channel Operations, Technology, and Compliance.
• Drive a culture of accountability through clear guardrails, performance metrics, and portfolio KPIs.
• Translate complex data and risk insights into clear, actionable guidance for executives.
• Evaluate new product launches, partnerships, and underwriting strategies from a risk, economics, and unit‑economics perspective.

Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in credit risk management, consumer or commercial lending, or portfolio analysis.
• Strong knowledge of credit risk models and methodologies, statistical analysis, and experience with risk management platforms and tools.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a proven track record of managing and developing high‑performing teams in collaborative environments.
• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance, governance frameworks, and risk management best practices in consumer lending.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and articulate complex credit and risk concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.