Director, Bank Origination

Director Bank Partnerships

Join our team and build your career with momentum as we champion your growth, elevate your ideas and engage you in purpose-driven work that makes a real difference every day.

Merrick Bank works with strategic partners in order to offer nationwide lending programs (the "Program"). These partners administer the Program on behalf of the bank, which is responsible for ongoing oversight.

The Director Bank Partnerships is a key member of Merrick Bank's Bank Origination team, serving as the primary steward of relationships with new and existing fintech partners. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that Programs are safe, sound, compliant and positioned for sustainable growth. As the Program relationship owner the individual will oversee Program due diligence, performance, adherence to contractual requirements, and coordinate ongoing oversight with internal risk managers.

Success in this position requires an understanding of lending products and regulatory frameworks. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of finance, risk and relationship management—driving innovation while safeguarding the bank's reputation and regulatory standing.

The Director Bank Partnerships plays a critical role in coordinating the day-to-day oversight of Programs by tracking ongoing reporting requirements, assessing data, identifying trends or issues, scheduling periodic meetings with the Partner and summarizing insights for consumption by internal resources. The position reports to the VP, Bank Origination.

Essential Functions:

• Partnership Development & Management
• Program Oversight & Optimization
• Regulatory & Risk Alignment

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Coursework or certification in fintech, banking compliance, third-party management or project management is a plus.
• 5+ years in banking, fintech, or financial services, with at least 3 years in third-party management or operations management.
• Experience in sponsored lending and lending products.
• Proven track record working cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and

Qualifications:

• Understanding of lending products and loan lifecycle.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple high-value relationships in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Familiarity with banking regulations third-party risk management guidelines.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise risk management framework, including development of executive-level materials such as dashboards, PowerPoint presentations, and written summaries.
• Ability to aggregate and synthesize complex information into clear and concise insights.

Compliance with Laws & Regulations:

• Responsible for complying with all the Bank's internal control policies and procedures.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with applicable laws and banking regulations.
• Responsible for communicating problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, noncompliance with laws and regulations, policy violations, or illegal acts.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This is largely a sedentary role.
• On-site meetings and occasional travel is required.

Security Responsibilities:

This classification requires heightened security awareness to safeguard the Bank's data, including customer non-public personal information. This position has access to sensitive loan documentation and customer data and must ensure all information is handled with strict confidentiality and in compliance with all regulatory guidelines.

Why join us:

We believe in putting people first by supporting our customers, employees and our partners while creating opportunities for everyone to reach their potential. From fostering work-life balance to rewarding good work and innovative ideas, we invest in what matters most, our people.

At Merrick Bank, you'll be part of a collaborative, customer-focused team where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

Our Employee Value Proposition:

• Competitive Pay, including a Bonus Target or Variable Pay Incentive Program
• Benefits Package - Medical, Dental, and Vision (plus much more)
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Programs
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and bank Holidays
• Employee Engagement Activities including Employee Appreciation Day, DEI Employee Resource Groups, Corporate Social Responsibility, Service Recognition

We offer a total rewards package comprised of a competitive base rate of pay, variable pay incentive programs based on the role, and a comprehensive benefit suite. Offered rates of pay are determined based on job-related knowledge, relevant experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, or gender identity/expression (including pregnancy,…