Manager, Mortgage Loan Underwriting

First Merchants Brand•Indianapolis, IN

18d

About The Position

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Manager, Mortgage Loan Underwriting to lead and motivate an underwriting team. The position is responsible for ensuring pipeline metrics and quality goals are consistently met, and that underwriting decisions remain within risk parameters established by the Bank and/or investors. The manager oversees assigned underwriters and an appraisal analyst, manages their day-to-day operations, and works with operational departments and sales to support successful mortgage lending operations. The role requires a strong understanding of mortgage lending products, policies, processes, required documentation, and updates to procedures. The manager monitors underwriting trends, provides coaching and training, prepares and analyzes trending reports, conducts second-tier reviews, and assists with complex loan structures and exception vetting. The manager also serves as an escalation point, builds relationships across departments, and recruits, develops, mentors, and retains teammates.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least eight years of experience underwriting conventional, VA, FHA, Jumbo, and Community Development products.
At least five years of experience managing others.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field of study.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage assigned underwriters and an appraisal analyst to meet pipeline metrics and quality guidelines and render appropriate decisions within established risk parameters.
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of mortgage lending products, policies, processes, required documentation, and procedural updates.
Ensure adherence to applicable risk management policies, procedures, controls, and compliance regulations.
Monitor underwriting trends and provide feedback, coaching, and training as needed.
Prepare and analyze applicable trending reports.
Conduct second-tier reviews as required.
Assist with structuring difficult and complex loans and with exception vetting.
Act as an escalation point between operational departments and sales.
Develop the team's relationships with operational departments and sales.
Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing teammates to support department goals.
Manage the day-to-day operations of assigned underwriters and an appraisal analyst.