Director, OEM Partnerships

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.  This is more than a strategic shift.  It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) Partnerships is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic OEM relationships that support the growth and performance of the firm’s OEM originations portfolio. The team collaborates with OEM partners to support the development, execution, and ongoing enhancement of strategic programs and subvention initiatives designed to drive dealer engagement, originations growth, and overall portfolio performance. Through strong cross-functional collaboration and relationship management, OEM Partnerships helps ensure successful execution of OEM programs and long-term partnership success.

Position Summary

The Director, OEM Partnerships is responsible for fostering and strengthening strategic relationships with OEM partners while driving growth in OEM originations across the dealership network. This role serves as a key liaison between OEM partners, Sales Leadership, Product, Sales Strategy, and Executive Leadership to ensure alignment on program development, dealer performance transparency, and strategic growth initiatives. The Director, OEM Partnerships will work closely with OEM partners to develop and support subvention programs, provide performance insights, and collaborate cross-functionally to enhance OEM-related business opportunities. This individual will also partner with the Auto Executive Team to provide updates on OEM program performance and strategic initiatives.

• Works closely with OEM partners to develop, implement, and support strategic subvention programs designed to drive dealer originations and portfolio growth.

• Serves as the primary relationship manager for OEM partners, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and alignment on business objectives and dealer performance.

• Partners with Sales Leadership to support growth initiatives and increase OEM originations within the dealership network.

• Collaborates closely with the OEM Product team and Sales Strategy to align program execution, pricing strategies, and dealer engagement initiatives.

• Provides regular performance reporting, insights, and updates to OEM partners regarding dealer production, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

• Works with the Auto Executive Team to develop OEM partnership strategies and provide ongoing updates on program development and dealer performance.

• Analyzes OEM and dealer performance data to identify growth opportunities, trends, and areas requiring strategic focus.

• Coordinates cross-functional efforts between Sales, Credit, Funding, Product, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of OEM initiatives.

• Supports the development and implementation of OEM promotions, dealer programs, and strategic initiatives designed to increase market penetration and dealer engagement.

• Partners with Originations leadership to provide competitive analysis and market feedback for new and enhanced OEM program development.

• Assists in resolving escalated OEM partner and dealer concerns by collaborating with internal departments to deliver timely solutions.

• Maintains a strong understanding of market conditions, competitive landscape, and OEM industry trends to support strategic decision-making.

• Builds and maintains strong internal and external relationships that support long-term OEM partnership success and organizational growth.

What You Bring:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience – Required.

Professional Experience

• 9+ years of experience in automotive finance, OEM partnerships, sales, or related financial services roles – Required.

• Experience managing strategic relationships with OEM partners and dealership groups – Required.

• Experience analyzing dealer performance, production trends, and market opportunities to support business growth – Required.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience with Sales, Product, Strategy, and Executive Leadership teams - Required.

• Proven experience supporting OEM and subvention program development and execution - Required.

Skills

• Skilled in Microsoft Office 365 products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with OEM partners, dealership groups, and internal stakeholders.

• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to support program development, pricing discussions, and strategic partnership initiatives.

• Ability to create, deliver, and present professional presentations to executive leadership, OEM partners, dealers, and internal teams.

• Ability to train and educate internal and external partners on products, programs, processes, and strategic initiatives.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret performance data and identify growth opportunities.

Certifications:

No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.

Work Authorization & Sponsorship:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring employer sponsorship to commence employment.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

Maximum:

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

Review the internal eligibility guidelines here. If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.