Strategic Partnership Manager bei First Electronic Bank

 At First Electronic Bank (FEB), our mission is to make credit more accessible for everyday Americans and their businesses. We partner with some of the most innovative FinTech companies in the U.S. to deliver a diverse range of consumer and commercial credit products nationwide. Our offerings include revolving lines of credit, private-label credit cards, installment financing programs, and more. Through strategic and collaborative partnerships, we focus on delivering financing solutions that are both effective and beneficial for consumers and businesses alike.

We are seeking a Strategic Partnership Manager (SPM) to join our dynamic team. This role plays a critical part in managing and overseeing third-party relationships throughout their lifecycle—from due diligence and onboarding to ongoing oversight. The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and risk management skills, strategic and analytical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex topics in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned programs and partners, developing a deep understanding of their structure and performance.
• Lead and coordinate internal teams during due diligence and implementation phases for new partnerships.
• Act as the primary point of contact for ongoing oversight of Strategic Partnership Programs.
• Collaborate with the Compliance team to review the partner's Compliance Management System, including marketing materials, training programs, testing procedures, and complaint handling processes.
• Partner with the Credit team to evaluate financials, credit policies, risk models, and relevant origination and portfolio reports.
• Review and assess the partner’s servicing and collections practices to ensure adherence to agreements and regulations.
• Conduct periodic site visits to monitor compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory standards.
• Perform comprehensive risk assessments, covering operational, strategic, credit, financial, compliance, and reputational risks.
• Evaluate the partner’s dealer and vendor management frameworks where applicable.
• Coordinate activities aligned with the Bank’s own vendor management requirements.
• Lead or contribute to internal projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Identify opportunities to grow, enhance, or optimize current programs.
• Execute responsibilities with moderate oversight from senior leadership.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business or related field preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in consumer or commercial lending, including familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong background in vendor, account, or relationship management is required.
• Previous experience with lending and servicing operations is required. 
• Experience in risk management, project management, or audit functions is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with credit and bank card programs, including association networks (e.g., Visa, Mastercard), is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt communication styles and build trust across internal teams and external partners.
• Effective decision-making capabilities, with the confidence to assess information independently and reach sound conclusions.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent project management abilities to coordinate cross-functional efforts and manage competing priorities.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate complex information, distill key insights, and assess implications for various stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of delivering clear and concise messages—including challenging feedback—while maintaining professional rapport.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Self-motivated and proactive, demonstrating curiosity, sound judgment, attention to detail, and confidence in navigating ambiguity.
• Resilient and composed under pressure, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor during challenging situations.
• Flexibility to travel as needed and adjust work hours to meet occasional business demands.