Funding Operations Manager

The Funding Operations Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end funding process to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant disbursement of funds. This position plays a critical role in operational excellence, managing a team of funding specialists, developing process improvements, and ensuring all funding activities align with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements. The Funding Operations Manager acts as both a strategic leader and hands-on problem solver, working closely with cross-functional partners in finance, compliance, sales, technology, and customer support to ensure a seamless funding experience for clients and internal stakeholders. 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Team Leadership & Development 

• Directly manage and mentor the funding operations team, setting clear expectations, goals, and performance metrics. 
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, team huddles, and performance reviews to ensure alignment with business objectives. 
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture focused on accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement. 
• Provide training and development opportunities to build team expertise in funding processes, systems, and compliance requirements. 

Operational Oversight 

• Oversee daily funding workflow, ensuring funds are disbursed accurately, on schedule, and in accordance with established protocols. 
• Monitor work queues and adjust staffing/resources to meet fluctuating volume and critical deadlines. 
• Manage exception handling for complex or unusual funding scenarios, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and effectively. 
• Ensure proper quality control and accuracy in funding documentation, approvals, and financial records. 

Process Improvement & Compliance 

• Evaluate current processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and risk areas; develop and implement streamlined procedures. 
• Maintain and update funding policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training guides to reflect regulatory changes and best practices. 
• Partner with compliance and legal teams to ensure all funding activities meet federal, state, and industry-specific requirements. 
• Ensure audit readiness by maintaining complete, accurate, and easily accessible documentation for all transactions. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Act as the primary escalation point for internal and external stakeholders regarding funding-related issues. 
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure reconciliation of funded amounts and resolution of discrepancies. 
• Partner with the technology team to implement system enhancements, automation initiatives, and data validation tools. 
• Work closely with sales and account management teams to set clear expectations with clients regarding funding timelines and requirements. 

Data Analysis & Reporting 

• Monitor funding metrics and service level agreements (SLAs), producing regular performance reports for senior leadership. 
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. 
• Provide recommendations to leadership on staffing needs, resource allocation, and system investments. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, operations management, or related field (equivalent work experience considered). 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in funding, lending operations, financial services, or related operational role. 
• Strong working knowledge of loan management systems, funding platforms, and financial transaction processing. 
• Demonstrated success in managing process improvement initiatives and operational efficiency projects. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and hold team members accountable. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decision-making. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization. 
• High level of integrity and attention to detail in all financial transactions. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM and ERP platforms.