Manager of Mortgage Lending – Job # 3856-5035

Symicor Group•Rockford, IL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Mortgage Lending provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a bank’s mortgage lending division. The role is accountable for the department’s performance, growth, compliance, and operational effectiveness, while fostering an exceptional customer experience and supporting the Bank’s strategic objectives. The position is based in the Rockford, Illinois area and is not remote. The salary is up to $125,000, with a benefits package. The Manager leads and develops the mortgage leadership team and supports recruitment, hiring, onboarding, succession planning, performance management, and professional development. The role develops and executes mortgage strategy, sets departmental goals and performance expectations, evaluates market opportunities, and leads the development of mortgage products and services. It oversees origination, underwriting, processing, systems, and operational improvements, partnering with the Mortgage Underwriter on processing oversight. The position promotes prudent lending and sound risk management, oversees compliance with applicable laws and program requirements, and owns mortgage policies, procedures, and operating standards. It also manages relationships with investors, agencies, vendors, and referral partners, originates residential mortgage loans, and supports business development and cross-selling.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
At least seven years of progressively responsible mortgage lending experience.
At least three years of leadership or management experience.
Demonstrated experience overseeing mortgage operations, loan origination, underwriting, processing, and secondary market activities.
Experience developing departmental strategies, operational improvements, and business growth initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the mortgage leadership team, including Mortgage Loan Officers, the Mortgage Underwriter, and other assigned staff.
Partner with the Mortgage Underwriter on coaching, development, and performance management of mortgage processing staff; monitor processing capacity, workload distribution, staffing needs, and performance.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, succession planning, and performance evaluations; establish accountability and promote a collaborative, high-performing work environment and professional development.
Develop and execute the Bank’s mortgage lending strategy in alignment with its strategic plan and business objectives.
Establish departmental goals, key performance indicators, and performance expectations; evaluate market trends, customer needs, and competitors to identify growth and innovation opportunities.
Lead development and implementation of mortgage products, programs, promotions, and services; monitor performance and recommend strategies for growth, profitability, and operational effectiveness.
Prepare reports and recommendations for Executive Leadership on mortgage production, pipeline activity, departmental performance, and market conditions.
Direct mortgage origination, underwriting, and processing operations; ensure loans are processed accurately, efficiently, and within service standards.
Develop and implement process improvements to support efficiency, customer experience, and loan quality; oversee mortgage systems, technology platforms, operational tools, initiatives, and implementations.
Promote sound underwriting and prudent lending; monitor loan quality, operational risk, and internal controls, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Review quality control findings, audit results, and deficiencies; assist with complex lending scenarios, exceptions, and escalated customer concerns as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state mortgage laws, regulations, investor requirements, and Bank policies; oversee annual investor, agency, and program recertifications.
Maintain ownership of the annual appraisers list; monitor regulatory changes and coordinate with the Compliance Officer on compliance and examination readiness.
Coordinate departmental responses to audits, regulatory examinations, and investor reviews; ensure reporting, documentation, and record retention requirements are met.
Own and maintain mortgage policies, procedures, and operating standards; ensure procedures are documented, communicated, and followed.
Manage relationships with mortgage investors, agencies, technology vendors, and other business partners; evaluate solutions and partner with the Bank’s Vendor Management Program on vendor compliance and performance.
Originate residential mortgage loans and provide customer service; build relationships with Realtors, builders, attorneys, title companies, appraisers, and other referral partners.
Represent the Bank at community events and networking and business development activities; support cross-selling and identify new referral channels and strategic partnerships.