Residential Underwriting Manager

About the role

The Residential Underwriting Manager is responsible for ensuring all loans are underwritten according to guidelines for RTC portfolio, Secondary Market and/or Government Agencies as required. The Residential Underwriting Manager manages the Underwriting team and works directly with Management, Loan Officers, Loan Processors, Closing, Post Closing and Quality Control. Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and complete many different duties under deadlines. Ability to pivot and work with different people on a daily basis.

Key responsibilities

• Shape underwriting strategy across both Mortgage and Home Equity
• Partner with senior leadership on key growth initiatives
• Lead a function that directly impacts portfolio quality and customer outcomes
• Set clear expectations for productivity, quality, and turnaround times, and actively manage performance against goals
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and career development, including building a strong leadership bench and succession plans
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven culture focused on excellence
• Ensure loans underwritten meet the quality standards of RTC, Secondary Market and/or Government Agencies (FHA/VA/USDA)
• Monitor the pipeline, assign loans to the underwriting team to meet requirements for turn time to ensure timely and compliant Loan Decisions
• Provide exceptional customer service on a consistent basis
• Work with other departments including post-closing, credit risk, and compliance as needed to ensure proper underwriting standards are met to safeguard company assets and ensure conformity with investor standards
• Stay abreast of trends in the mortgage industry and distribute updates and guidelines as necessary to the Residential Mortgage team
• Review files for secondary signature as required and prepare and present loans to CLAC as necessary
• Assist in coordinating efforts between support departments and sales within the organization
• Partner with production teams to promote and achieve the highest level of customer service
• Partner with Compliance, Operations, Closing, Post-Closing and Quality Control to ensure alignment and achievement of risk profile and goals
• Participate in First Line reporting and QC meetings to identify areas of improvement and training needs
• Assist in loan reviews related to compliance, quality control and post-closing/funding audits, and manage timely responses to all requests
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations
• Assist in preparation and review of loans for bulk loan sales as needed
• Respond timely to Loan Scenario questions and offer alternative solutions as appropriate

Strategy, reporting & portfolio management

• Analyze pipeline metrics, productivity data, and portfolio performance to inform decision-making and resource planning
• Develop and present executive-level reporting on underwriting performance, credit trends, and operational KPIs
• Monitor portfolio risk indicators, including delinquency trends and early payment defaults
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and credit outcomes through data-driven insights
• Drive standardization and best practices across underwriting workflows

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of Residential Mortgage Underwriting experience
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing high performing underwriting teams
• Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent industry experience
• Solid track record of success in underwriting Conventional Mortgages and FHA mortgages. VA, USDA and Home Equity experience a plus
• Knowledge of Mortgage Insurance (MI) guidelines
• Knowledge of Encompass 360 and Loan Beam a plus
• Ability to work independently and leverage relationships
• Strong ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and complete them on time
• Demonstrated sales, marketing and leadership skills
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong presentation and negotiating skills
• Sound judgment, logical reasoning and strong drive to achieve results and succeed
• Ability to operate effectively across organizational structure, effectively collaborating with business partners and team colleagues to foster solid teamwork, credibility and trust
• Adaptability to change
• Self-starter
• Word and Excel proficiency
• Team player
• Must be detail oriented and demonstrate organization, communication and time management skills
• Ability to utilize various types of office equipment including computer terminals

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with performance incentive awards
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401K and DC Plan for your retirement
• LTD & Life Insurance
• Vacation Time
• Day Care Reimbursement
• Tuition Assistance for graduate and undergraduate programs
• Award-Winning Wellness program and much more