Title Specialist

Kawasaki Motors Retail Finance is seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Title Specialist to join our dynamic and rapidly growing captive finance company, specializing in installment loans for the powersports industry across all 50 states. This role is critical to ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of all title-related processes, from lien perfections to lien releases. As a Title Specialist, you will be responsible for processing a variety of title types, including ELT, paper titles, UCC filings, and non-titled, while maintaining compliance with individual state regulations and internal company policies. You will leverage title vendor systems to manage title releases, monitor outstanding titles, resolve title discrepancies, and ensure lien perfections. In this high-volume, fast-paced environment, you'll work closely with DMVs, dealers, customers, and internal departments to support title accuracy, resolve complex issues, and facilitate smooth title processes. Your ability to track key performance metrics, support audits, and contribute to continuous process improvement will play a key role in protecting the company's assets and delivering excellent customer and dealer experiences. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a startup environment, brings strong organizational skills, and is committed to operational excellence in title administration. This position will report to the Collection Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process lien releases for paid-off accounts, including ELT, paper titles, UCC filings, and non-titled powersports collateral (on-road/off-road vehicles, and personal watercraft), while ensuring compliance with internal policies and state-specific regulations across all 50 states.
• Monitor outstanding title reports, follow up with dealers, and take proactive steps to ensure timely lien perfection.
• Handle inbound and outbound communications, including calls, emails, and written correspondence, with customers, dealers, DMVs, and third parties in a professional and timely manner, while operating effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced call center environment.
• Hands-on experience with financial platforms, such as Loan Origination Systems (LOS), Loan Management Systems (LMS), familiarity with workflow tools and digital document management systems.
• Submit and process title and registration applications (as needed), working closely with DMVs and title authorities to resolve issues related to missing documentation.
• Utilize the title vendor portal to track title status, process lien releases, manage missing titles, and review/update the title correction queue.
• Collaborate with the credit department to review title documentation for accuracy and completeness, including VINs, odometer readings and other information.
• Resolve complex title issues in collaboration with DMVs, internal departments, and external partners, including discrepancies, delays, and documentation challenges.
• Process VIN corrections, substitution of collateral, renew UCC fillings, and title state transfers. Investigate and report potential fraud, discrepancies, or suspicious title activity (lien deletions), and escalate findings to the fraud team.
• Ensure secure handling, storage, and tracking of title-related documents, maintaining accurate records and audit trails for electronic and paper titles, UCCs, MCOs, and lien statements. Stay current on DMV regulations and implement process updates to maintain ongoing compliance across all 50 states.
• Support dealers with title processing inquiries, payoff processing, payoff quotes, and resolution of title discrepancies.
• Maintain strong relationships with dealers, DMVs, title agencies and internal departments to facilitate efficient resolution of title-related issues.
• Evaluate and improve title processing workflows, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and helping reduce errors and processing time.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to title processing timelines, outstanding titles and other compliance metrics.
• Prepare regular reports for management, summarizing key metrics, operational challenges, and opportunities for process optimization.
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and ensuring that findings are addressed, and corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensure all title operations align with regulatory requirements and company policies, maintain strong internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned, adapting to the needs of a growing and evolving organization.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred. Equivalent work experience in title administration or vehicle finance will be considered.
• Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience in title processing or vehicle registration within the financial services industry, preferably in consumer installment lending for the powersports or automotive sectors..
• Experience handling ELTs, paper titles, UCC filings, MCOs, and non-titled collateral (e.g., powersports, off-road/on-road vehicles, watercraft) is strongly preferred. Familiarity with state-specific DMV regulations and titling requirements across all 50 states.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and strong comfort using title vendor platforms such as Dealertrack, CVR, ADD, and other title tracking and title verification systems.
• Strong knowledge of title documentation standards, VIN corrections, state title transfers, and registration processes.
• Ability to remain current on DMV regulations and apply updates to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with fraud detection protocols related to titling discrepancies, lien deletions, and document authenticity.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with proven success in resolving complex title issues in collaboration with DMVs, title agencies, dealers, and internal departments.
• Experience tracking and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve process efficiency and reduce delays/errors.
• Able to prepare management level reporting and support internal/external audits by maintaining thorough records and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to professionally handle high-volume inbound and outbound calls, emails, and written correspondence in a fast-paced, customer and dealer focused environment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal teams, dealers, DMVs, title agencies, and external vendors.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment, demonstrating agility, resourcefulness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A strong understanding of internal controls and title management frameworks, and the importance of lien perfections.
• Promotes a positive, inclusive, and respectful team culture grounded in trust, transparency, and open communication. Consistently demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic through punctuality and dependable attendance. Committed to fostering collaboration, integrity, and accountability, while actively contributing to a healthy, solution-driven work environment aligned with the company's values and strategic objectives.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a willingness to take initiative, drive cross-functional collaboration, and support the development of scalable, streamlined title operations that align with business growth.
• Adaptable team player capable of performing additional responsibilities and special projects as needed to support the company's evolving operational goals and long-term success.
• Ability to work on-site at our Foothill Ranch, CA office.

Profile Differentiators:

• Demonstrates deep working knowledge of title processing and DMV regulations across all 50 states, with hands-on experience handling a wide range of collateral types, including powersports vehicles, watercraft, and off-road collateral ensuring lien perfection and compliance in every jurisdiction.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and experienced with industry-specific platforms such as Dealertrack, CVR, and ADD. Easily navigates title tracking and verification systems to manage workflows efficiently and minimize processing delays.
• Stays up to date on state and federal regulations related to vehicle titling and registration. Skilled at identifying document inconsistencies, lien deletions, and VIN mismatches, ensuring a compliant and secure titling process.
• Proven ability to monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to reduce errors and improve operational turnaround times. Brings a continuous improvement mindset to streamline title operations and enhance service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally via phone, email, and written correspondence. Comfortable managing high-volume interactions and working cross-functionally with dealers, DMVs, title agencies, and internal departments to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Thrives in a startup or high-growth environment by demonstrating agility, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to take the initiative. Proactively identifies process gaps and contributes to building scalable, forward-thinking solutions that support long-term business goals.
• Embodies the company's values of accountability, transparency, and teamwork. Leads with professionalism, consistency, and a strong work ethic, actively contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and solution-driven workplace culture.
• Willingness to work non-traditional schedules (evenings, weekends, or extended shifts) to meet customer and business needs.

Salary:

Salary range: $30.00-$35.00hr, based on experience and qualifications.

KMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with KMRF is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.