Senior Operations Manager, Auto

About Upstart At Upstart, we’re united by a mission that matters: to radically reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. Every day, we bring creativity, experimentation, and advanced AI to reshape access to credit, helping millions move forward financially with clarity and confidence. As the leading AI lending marketplace, we partner with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit through technology that’s both radically intelligent and deeply human. Our platform runs over one million predictions per borrower using more than 1,800 signals, powering smarter, fairer decisions for millions of customers. But the numbers only hint at the impact. Every idea, every voice, and every contribution moves us closer to a world where credit never stands between people and their financial progress. We’re proudly digital-first, giving most Upstarters the flexibility to do their best work from wherever they thrive, alongside teammates across 80+ cities in the US and Canada. Digital-first doesn’t mean distant. We’re intentional about in-person connection through team onsites, planning sessions, and moments that spark creativity and trust. And whether you choose to work primarily from home or collaborate in-person from one of our offices in Columbus, Austin, the Bay Area, or New York City (opening Summer 2026), you’ll have the support to work in the way that works best for you. If you’re energized by tackling meaningful problems, excited to innovate with purpose, and motivated by work that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you. The Team: Upstart’s Loan Processing organization is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to lead our Auto Loan Onboarding function. This leader will be responsible for overseeing the performance, operating model, and long-term strategy of the Auto Onboarding organization, including the Auto-Refinance, Auto-Secured Personal Loan (ASPL), and Auto-Indirect lending products. The Senior Operations Manager will lead a team of Operations Managers and Associate Operations Managers, and will be accountable for delivering against productivity, quality, risk, and customer experience outcomes at scale. This role requires a strong operator with deep Auto lending knowledge, exceptional people leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to build systems that scale in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. As Upstart continues transitioning from manual processing to AI-enabled workflows, this leader will play a critical role in evolving the team from a task-based execution model to a more automated, audit- and oversight-driven operating structure. How you’ll make an impact Lead and evolve the end-to-end operating model for Auto Loan Onboarding, ensuring scalable, efficient, and compliant workflows across Auto-Refinance, ASPL, and Auto-Indirect products. Own department-level performance against productivity, turnaround time, touch rate, quality, and risk, translating company objectives into clear execution plans for managers and teams. Partner cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, Workforce Management, and Finance to prioritize automation, process improvements, and structural enhancements that support sustainable growth. Monitor business trends and operational risks, identify systemic bottlenecks, and implement durable solutions that improve performance and portfolio outcomes. Lead and develop Operations Managers, strengthening leadership capability, accountability, and succession planning across the organization. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce manual effort, enhance controls, and improve customer and dealer experience. Minimum Qualifications 3+ years experience in an Operations role within Onboarding, Servicing, or Auto Lending at a Financial Institution. 2+ years experience leading people managers. Strong analytical and operational acumen with the ability to translate data into action. Proven ability to influence cross-functional partners and drive alignment across competing priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to senior stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications 4+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume operations environment. Deep knowledge of Auto lending products, Retail Installment Contracts (RICs), and title/lien processes. Experience leading teams through operational transformation or automation initiatives. Track record of reducing costs while maintaining or improving quality and risk outcomes. Experience building scalable operating models in a growth-stage or tech-enabled financial services organization. Position location This role is available in the following locations: Columbus, OH. Time zone requirements The team operates on the East coast time zone. In-Office requirements. You will be required to work from the Columbus, OH office 2 days per week. The in office days are Wednesday and Thursdays. Travel requirements As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time. #LI-MidSenior At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k). Columbus, OH - Anticipated Base Salary Range $104,800—$145,000 USD What you'll love At Upstart, our benefits are designed to support your health, financial well-being, family, and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect: Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs) Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!). Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Just as we are dedicated to improving access to affordable credit for all, we are committed to inclusive and fair hiring practices. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email candidate_accommodations@upstart.com https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy