Product Manager - Loans

Apply Description At Smiley Technologies, how we work matters as much as what we build. We’re a community-bank technology company grounded in clear ownership, thoughtful decisions, and a strong sense of responsibility to our customers and one another. We’re known for a people-first culture where employees are trusted to think, contribute, and own meaningful work. You won’t be a number here. You’ll be part of a team that values transparency, respect, and accountability — and that isn’t afraid to work through hard problems together. Expectations are high, but support is real. Smiley is a place where work is purposeful, collaboration matters, and growth is intentional and sustainable. We value direct, respectful feedback and encourage people to build strong careers while maintaining full lives outside of work. We work hard, take pride in what we do, and genuinely enjoy the people we work with. If you’re looking for a role where your judgment matters and your contribution is valued, Smiley may be the right fit. Summary The Product Manager - Loans is responsible for planning, design, and delivery of loan-related products, enhancements, and initiatives throughout the product lifecycle. This role serves as the bridge between customer needs, banking operations, compliance requirements, and technical execution. The Product Manager works closely with client banks, internal stakeholders, development teams, vendors, and regulatory partners to identify opportunities, define requirements, prioritize enhancements, and ensure successful testing and implementation of solutions that support lending operations and business objectives. This position requires a strong background in banking, preferably in loan administration, loan operations, servicing, or compliance, paired with the ability to translate complex business requirements into actionable technical deliverables for engineering teams. Product ownership begins at the time of assignment and continues through development, testing, implementation, training, and ongoing support. Responsibilities Product Ownership & Strategy Owns assigned lending products and initiatives from concept through implementation and support. Gathers, documents, and prioritizes business requirements for new features, enhancements, and strategic initiatives. Works with customers and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for product improvement and innovation. Participates in product roadmap planning and prioritization activities. Evaluates customer feedback, market trends, and regulatory changes that may impact product direction. Banking & Industry Expertise Serves as a subject matter expert for loan operations, servicing, administration, and compliance-related topics. Maintains awareness of lending regulations, industry trends, and banking best practices. Collaborates with external partners, vendors, and financial institutions to support product initiatives and industry alignment. Ensures product decisions consider operational efficiency, user experience, and regulatory compliance requirements. Technical Execution Translates customer needs and business objectives into detailed functional and technical requirements. Works closely with engineering teams to define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), user stories, workflows, and acceptance criteria. Participates in API discussions, integration planning, and solution design efforts. Supports prioritization decisions by balancing customer value, business impact, technical complexity, and resource constraints. Assists in troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution for assigned products. Testing, Documentation & Delivery Coordinates and participates in solution testing, including functional, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing. Develops and maintains test plan, implementation documentation, and training materials. Supports release readiness activities and ensures successful product deployments. Works with internal teams to create release notes, support materials, and customer communication plans. Cross-Functional Collaboration Communicates effectively with customers, executives, developers, support teams, and implementation staff. Facilitates discussions across technical and non-technical audiences. Provides regular project updates, identifies risks, and escalates issues when appropriate. Influences outcomes and drives alignment across multiple teams without direct authority. Additional Responsibilities Participates in customer meetings, product demonstrations, training sessions, and industry events as needed. Supports conversion, implementation, and integration efforts related to lending products. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field and 2+ years of direct banking or fintech experience; or 6+ years of progressive banking, financial services, or fintech experience with demonstrated expertise in loan operations, administration, servicing, or compliance. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong banking background with experience in loan administration, loan operations, servicing, documentation, or compliance. Ability to oversee technical aspects of a product lifecycle from concept through delivery. Proven ability to translate customer needs into actionable technical requirements. Understanding of software development processes, product management methodologies, and MVP concepts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in SQL and Power BI. API integration experience. Experience working with Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar project management platforms. Community banking, core banking, or fintech experience. Experience supporting commercial, consumer, mortgage, agricultural, or specialty lending products. Prior experience gathering business requirements and working directly with software development teams. Experience with loan conversions, integrations, or banking system implementations. Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations affecting lending operations. Cultural Expectations - CORE IS Our core values of Collaboration, Optimism, Respect, Empathy, Integrity, and Service (CORE IS) are at the heart of our organization's vision and strategy and our employees are expected to support our values in what they say and do. This applies to all interactions, internally and externally. Physical Requirements, Demands, and Environmental Conditions Performs work primarily in an office or home office environment. Frequently uses a computer, phone, and video conferencing tools. May occasionally travel to company offices, client sites, or events. Compensation Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000 annually The final compensation offered will be based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and market considerations. In addition to base salary, Smiley offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee benefits. Work Location This position may be performed remotely, hybrid, or on-site. Candidates must reside and be authorized to work within the United States. Periodic travel to company offices, team meetings, training events, or customer locations may be required.