The Manager, Risk Strategy will strengthen FTL’s risk standards, oversee underwriting operations, and ensure portfolio performance supports company growth and profitability. As FTL expands beyond HVAC financing into a broader range of home improvement projects, this role offers a unique opportunity to apply analytical and leadership expertise in a specialized consumer finance environment. This leader will manage the loan underwriting team, set contractor enrollment standards, and deliver data-driven insights and real-time risk decisions to senior leadership.

Since 1996, FTL Finance has specialized in financing for residential HVAC and other home improvement projects. Based in the heart of Missouri, we take pride in empowering thousands of hardworking contractors nationwide to elevate their businesses and increase sales. At FTL Finance, our mission to make home improvement easier on everyone is demonstrated in our dedicated support teams, robust digital tools, and programs to help homeowners with all types of credit.

 Join FTL Finance, where your expertise and contributions will be welcomed in an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and success. Be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of contractors and homeowners across the nation!

What You'll Do:

• Own and evolve contractor and customer risk standards—ensuring only ethical, financially sound contractors are enrolled and customers are properly vetted.
• Lead, coach, and develop the underwriting team, driving consistent, high-quality decisions on credit and contractor approval.
• Set and maintain underwriting policies that balance growth goals with prudent risk management.
• Monitor and act on real-time portfolio risk signals, making proactive decisions to protect portfolio integrity.
• Build and refine risk-based pricing models, delivering clear insights on credit risk, profitability, and competitive positioning.
• Provide executive-level reporting and recommendations, including portfolio analytics, pricing performance, and scenario modeling.
• Lead process improvements and automation efforts—while evaluating and integrating new data sources—to enhance efficiency, strengthen underwriting models, reduce risk, and support long-term growth.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring:

• 4+ years of experience in an analytically driven role (finance, risk, consulting, or analytics).
• Experience in consumer lending, home improvement financing, or contractor/vendor risk management strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with intellectual curiosity.
• Proven expertise in risk assessment, underwriting, or portfolio/pricing analysis.
• Familiarity with competitive benchmarking, risk-based pricing strategies, and credit performance metrics.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across organizational levels.
• Strong process improvement mindset with experience in automation initiatives.
• Highly coachable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Technical proficiency:
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, nested IFs, etc.)
  • SQL and Tableau (or similar BI tools)

What You'll Get:

• A dynamic, fast-paced, fun and inclusive work environment (with always-stocked snacks and beverages!)
• Annual company parties and fun team events
• Growth and development opportunities
• Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in-office/2 days remote)
• Monthly team celebrations and luncheons
• Excellent offerings under our group benefit plans for medical, dental, vision, FSA, etc.!
• 401K plan with a company match of up to 4%!
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 13 paid holidays