Mortgage Operations Manager

At Citizens Independent Bank, we believe in the power of community and the importance of building meaningful relationships. Our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every interaction is personal and impactful. We are dedicated to the growth and development of our employees, offering opportunities for training and advancement in a collaborative, supportive environment. If you're passionate about making a difference in your community and helping others thrive, we invite you to explore a role with us.

We are seeking a Mortgage Operations Manager responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the mortgage department to ensure efficient processing, underwriting, closing, and servicing support functions. This position provides leadership to mortgage operations staff while ensuring compliance with federal and Minnesota banking regulations, investor guidelines, and internal policies. The Mortgage Operations Manager plays a key role in supporting production goals, improving operational efficiencies, and delivering an exceptional customer experience consistent with the values of a Minnesota community bank.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the daily operations of the mortgage processing, underwriting, closing, and post-closing functions.
• Supervise, coach, and develop mortgage operations staff to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Monitor workflow pipelines to ensure timely and accurate loan processing and closings.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and Minnesota state mortgage regulations including TRID, RESPA, HMDA, ECOA, SAFE Act, and fair lending requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures and internal controls to support regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Partner with mortgage lenders, underwriters, secondary market personnel, and executive leadership to support production and service goals.
• Review and monitor loan quality, exception reporting, and audit findings to identify operational improvements and reduce risk.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors including title companies, appraisal management companies, document preparation vendors, mortgage insurance companies, contract underwriting vendors and investors.
• Optimize LOS, document management, imaging and workflow systems.
• Assist with preparation for internal audits, regulatory examinations, and investor reviews.
• Maintain knowledge of secondary market guidelines, portfolio lending standards, and mortgage servicing requirements.
• Analyze department performance metrics and prepare management reports related to loan volume, turn times, quality control, and operational efficiency.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and technology enhancements to improve customer service and operational effectiveness
• Support training initiatives related to mortgage systems, compliance updates, and operational best practices.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a seamless customer experience across the bank.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of mortgage operations experience required.
• Prior management or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of residential mortgage processing, underwriting, closing, and secondary market operations.
• Experience with community banking and portfolio lending preferred.
• Familiarity with Minnesota housing programs and rural lending markets is beneficial.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and Minnesota mortgage lending regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with mortgage loan origination systems, Encompass experience preferred, document imaging systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.
• Limited travel for training, meetings, or community banking events may be required.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Starting Salary Range: $105,000 - $140,000 DOQ
• Incentive Compensation Plan
• Full benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PFML, STD, LTD, Employer Paid Life Insurance, 401(k) with generous match, paid holidays, generous PTO, Employee Assistance Plan and more.
• Work-life balance
• A collaborative, community-focused culture with over 75 years of local banking history.

Note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities