Manager of Mortgage Lending - To 125K - Rockford, IL - Job 3856-5035

The Symicor Group•Rockford, IL

2d•$125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Mortgage Lending provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Bank’s mortgage lending division. The role is accountable for the department’s performance, growth, compliance, and operational effectiveness while promoting an exceptional customer experience and supporting the Bank’s strategic objectives. It oversees loan origination, underwriting, and processing operations, develops mortgage strategies and products, manages risk and regulatory compliance, and supports sales and business growth. The position is based in the Rockford, Illinois area and is not remote.

Requirements

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 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.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, succession planning, and performance evaluations.
Set clear expectations and accountability for performance and behaviors aligned with the Bank’s culture.
Foster a collaborative, engaged, high-performing work environment and promote education 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 competitive offerings to identify growth and innovation opportunities.
Lead development and implementation of mortgage products, programs, promotions, and services.
Monitor departmental performance and recommend strategies to support growth, profitability, and operational effectiveness.
Prepare reports and recommendations for Executive Leadership on mortgage production, pipeline activity, departmental performance, and market conditions.
Oversee mortgage origination, underwriting, processing, pipeline capacity, workload distribution, staffing needs, and service standards.
Develop and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, customer experience, and loan quality.
Oversee mortgage systems, technology platforms, and operational tools, and lead departmental projects and technology implementations.
Establish departmental priorities and performance expectations while empowering leaders to manage daily operations.
Collaborate with other departments to support a seamless customer experience throughout the lending process.
Promote sound underwriting and prudent lending decisions; monitor loan quality, operational risk, and internal controls, and implement corrective actions.
Review quality control findings, audit results, and deficiencies, and ensure corrective actions are completed.
Assist with complex lending scenarios, exceptions, and escalated customer concerns.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state mortgage lending laws, regulations, investor requirements, and Bank policies.
Oversee annual investor, agency, and program recertifications, including Freddie Mac, USDA, IHDA, FHLB, and SAM.gov, as applicable.
Maintain ownership of the annual appraisers list and monitor regulatory changes, implementing operational changes as needed.
Partner with the Compliance Officer on regulatory compliance and examination readiness.
Coordinate departmental responses to internal and external audits, regulatory examinations, and investor reviews.
Maintain required reporting, documentation, and record-retention practices.
Own mortgage-related policies, procedures, and operating standards; develop and update them to reflect regulatory requirements and operational best practices.
Ensure departmental procedures are documented, communicated, and consistently followed.
Manage relationships with mortgage investors, agencies, technology vendors, and other business partners.
Evaluate vendor and technology solutions and partner with the Bank’s Vendor Management Program on compliance and vendor performance.
Originate residential mortgage loans and provide exceptional customer service.
Develop relationships with Realtors, builders, attorneys, title companies, appraisers, and other referral partners.
Represent the Bank at community events, networking opportunities, and business development activities.
Support cross-selling by connecting customers with additional Bank products and services.
Identify opportunities to expand mortgage production through referral channels and strategic partnerships.