Operational Strategy Analytics, Risk Manager

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

So what do you say? Are you ready to be part of something big?

The Operational Strategy Analytics, Risk Manager reports to the Sr. Director, Risk Management and will collaborate with Operations Leadership, Decision Sciences, IT and others in the development and implementation of risk management strategies for auto finance operations, focusing on both credit and operational risks across the loan lifecycle. In this role you will Analyze large datasets (using tools like SQL, Python, and Excel) to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for process improvement, supporting business forecasting and risk mitigation, Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders, including operations, IT, compliance, legal, and business leadership, to ensure risk strategies align with business objectives and regulatory requirements, Monitor industry and economic trends affecting the auto finance sector, such as changes in consumer behavior, collateral values, and regulatory landscape, to proactively adjust risk strategies, Prepare and present insights and recommendations to senior management, risk committees, and regulatory bodies, supporting informed decision-making and compliance, Ensure independent escalation of risk management gaps, emerging risks, and regulatory focus areas, maintaining a strong risk culture and control environment.

Core to this role will be capabilities for analysis, data manipulation and data understanding for the purpose of risk evaluation regarding collection, loss recoveries, delinquency, balance liquidation, new originations and other projections for the auto loan portfolios. This Manager is also responsible for providing information used to create reports for a variety of internal and external clients. This position will interact with many other departments in the interest of achieving the overall company objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Participate in developing and monitoring underwriting, collections and loss mitigation strategies for auto loan portfolio. Analyze risk data to identify emerging threats and provide actionable insights to business partners. Refine and improve risk methodologies and decision-making processes in collaboration with key stakeholders
• Operational Strategy Analytics – Collaborate with Risk Decision Sciences for Delinquency Forecasting, Capacity Planning (Domestic and Offshore vendor FTE), Operations Reporting - Performance Monitoring (KPI’s), Goal setting & Incentive Compensation program management. Manage servicing incentive compensation program(s) to drive improved operational performance through calculated goal setting under aggressive budget (op ex) constraints.
• Collections Strategy – Collaborate with Decision Sciences, Scorecard Vendor, Operational Line Leadership, IT Program Management to Leverage risk models and other account attributes to create an autonomously adaptive set of strategies that drive delinquent accounts to the right treatment (e.g. Dialer, Manual, Salient, ChatBot etc), by optimizing total cost (expense + losses) using a champion-challenger, test control approach.
• People Management – Leading and directing the work of others including hiring and ongoing performance management of analysts' pool.
• Dialer Administration - Design, develop and monitor Dialer Campaign strategy across various buckets of delinquency as appropriate
• This role is highly cross-functional, requiring both strategic vision and technical expertise to drive effective risk management and operational excellence in the auto finance industry.
• Build or enhance existing automated dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to track KPIs like delinquency rates, recovery efficiency, and portfolio profitability

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & LICENSES:

• This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive end-to-end process improvement, champion challenger strategy design, implementation, evaluation, other ad-hoc analytics projects, from data extraction and modeling to interpretation and presentation, while also providing strategic direction and fostering team growth
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in the field, continuously updating skills to drive innovation and improve financial outcomes.
• Capable of managing many analysts concurrently in a fast paced, highly iterative and entrepreneurially spirited environment.
• Coordinate with finance, risk, and IT departments to align data initiatives with business objectives
• Communication: Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business insights. Strong facilitation, presentation, and storytelling capabilities.
• Leadership: Experience in managing and mentoring analyst teams
• Problem-solving: Analytical thinking and creative approach to solving complex business problems
• Project Management: End-to-end project management skills, from conception to implementation
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage with cross-functional teams and senior management
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; or related field preferred
• Programming: Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL for large-scale data analysis and manipulation, preferred
• Experience with Champion Challenger Tests, preferably in auto finance origination and collection environments
• Auto Finance Industry: Auto finance lifecycle (originations to collections), regulatory compliance (e.g., Fair Lending Act), and competitive market dynamics. Understanding of the automotive financial services sector is preferred, but not mandatory
• Risk Management: Experience in financial risk analysis and mitigation strategies
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Operations, Analytics, Reporting, Collections Strategy, Dialer Management, Budgeting, and Incentive Program Management preferred
• At least 10 years in consumer financial services—automotive finance experience preferred

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

AutoNation Finance is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law.

Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.