Mortgage Operations Leader (1st VP/SVP)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Residential Lending, the Mortgage Operations Leader is responsible for leading all aspects of the Mortgage Operations function including processing, underwriting, closing and funding to ensure all loan obligations are met with high efficiency and quality of service.  The incumbent will have a deep understanding of mortgage regulations to apply to the operations setting and will cultivate an environment open to process improvements, compliance with regulatory standards, enhanced reporting, and growth.

This role interacts regularly with mortgage sales and operations, internal business partners and support teams, external partners and vendors.

Essential Job Functions

Strategy & Planning

• Assist Director or Residential Lending with long and short-term planning for the Residential Lending function
• Participate in the development of lending policies and procedures that align with organizational goals
• Establish and oversee the execution of operational goals by engaging with operations team, mortgage sales and other departments
• Assist with the oversight of department financial management, planning, systems and controls.
• Develop and maintain regular reporting of department metrics and results; participate in the preparation of reports for senior management.
• Partner with Marketing team in the implementation of marketing campaigns across various channels

Risk Management & Operational Oversight

• Monitor economic indicators and evaluate potential impacts on the loan portfolios to maintain a delicate balance between stimulating loan growth, maximizing profitability, and mitigating risks.
• Lead the lending operations team in evaluating loan applications, assessing credit risk, and ensuring sound underwriting practices
• Monitor workflows, productivity and department metrics to increase service levels, and quality while effectively managing risk. Track output against SLAs and KPIs.
• Ensure lending activities are conducted accordance with established policy guidelines and standards, are properly documented, and meet regulatory requirements.
• Lead, evaluate, implement, monitor, maintain and improve various loan origination systems, vendor changes or product launches.
• Ensure loan lending criteria is met for specific loan types, products, rates and fee structures.
• Anticipates issues facing the department and/or organization and develop innovative solutions to streamline work processes and support operational objectives
• Oversee and review weekly pipeline report and allocate resources accordingly.
• Manage cycle times to ensure quality, accuracy and efficiency of loan fulfillment.
• Serve as resource to team and business partners to manage complex problems and escalations.
• Ensure policies, procedures, internal controls and processes are kept up to date and meet evolving regulatory, legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Remain current on all investor, agency, FHA, VA, and loan guideline changes along with overlays.

People Management

• Direct supervisory responsibilities and carries out responsibilities in accordance with the company's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing employee's work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints, performance coaching, and resolving issues; interviewing, hiring and training.
• Lead and retain a best-in-class loan operations team, providing direction, development and mentorship to team members.
• Create and foster a positive and collaborative team environment amongst operations and sales teams.
• Utilize Employee Engagement Survey results to participate in strategy to enhance and improve employee experience.

Minimum Requirements 

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field of study and seven or more years  mortgage operations and/or mortgage compliance experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Must have experience leading teams and managing people.

Preferred, but not required

• Direct experience utilizing Encompass and Optimal Blue strongly preferred.

Competencies

• Strong leadership skills including ability to use independent judgment
• Exceptional lending knowledge (regulations, products, risk)
• Excellent organizational ability
• Ability to interpret and communicate regulations, policies, and protocol
• Strong customer service skills

Location Details 

This position is considered a hybrid role.  With management approval, an incumbent may work a combination of remote and onsite work to perform the regular responsibilities of the role.  Actual schedule requirements may vary based upon business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Base pay - 1st VP level: $110,000 - $160,000  

Base Pay - SVP Level:  $127,000 - $180,000

Old Second is committed to fair and equitable pay practices.  Pay is dependent upon the pay range and the incumbent's knowledge, skills and experience. 

Officer Bonus Eligible:  Eligible to participate in the Annual Officer Incentive plan with a target bonus up to 15% - 20% of base salary based various performance components.

Benefits:  How We Support You - Old Second