Non-QM Underwriting Team Manager

All Positions • San Diego, CA

3d

About The Position

The Non-QM Underwriting Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end underwriting process and providing strong leadership, guidance, and support to a team of experienced underwriters. This role serves as a key resource to the Non-QM department for credit policy interpretation, guideline clarification, and complex loan scenario analysis. The Manager is accountable for ensuring accurate, consistent, and timely credit decisions across a range of Non-QM and Closed-End Second products. This includes evaluating borrower creditworthiness, analyzing supporting documentation, and applying sound judgment to balance production goals with credit quality and risk management. The Manager also plays a critical role in developing underwriting talent, maintaining compliance with investor and company credit standards, and fostering strong collaboration across Operations & Sales to drive efficiency, consistency, and exceptional client service.

Requirements

• Extensive, current working knowledge of Non-QM loan programs, guidelines, and investor requirements
• 2-3 years of hands-on Non-QM underwriting experience, including complex income analysis and exception review
• 3-5 years of underwriting leadership or team management experience, with proven ability to mentor and develop underwriters
• Demonstrated skill in monitoring and managing a loan production pipeline to ensure efficiency and accuracy
• Ability to analyze, recommend, and implement improvements to standard operating procedures
• Comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations, including HMDA, Regulation Z, and Regulation B, plus a strong working knowledge of FNMA guidelines
• Experience working in a paperless loan file environment and with image repository systems
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Internet browsers, and general business software
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to partnership across departments
• High attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, consistent work under pressure
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively within a team structure
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills; ability to act quickly and effectively within policy parameters
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of FNMA documentation and general guidelines/standards is essential. Additionally, must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing Non-QM loan products is highly recommended.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership, training, and guidance to underwriters and underwriting support staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Motivate and coach the underwriting team to achieve divisional goals and maintain consistent quality and service levels.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new underwriters.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to support professional growth and development.
• Oversee the daily underwriting pipeline to ensure loans are reviewed, approved, and cleared-to-close within established turn times.
• Monitor departmental reports to identify productivity and quality trends, implementing process improvements where needed.
• Ensure underwriting activities adhere to Plaza’s credit policies, investor requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Communicate policy and guideline updates clearly and timely to the underwriting team.
• Collaborate with Regional, Operations, and Sales leadership on monthly goals and service-level management.
• Partner with Post-Closing and QC teams to resolve suspense issues and ensure delivery quality.
• Evaluate complex loan scenarios, including credit, income, and asset analyses, to support sound underwriting decisions.
• Provide second-sign authority and support for underwriters within delegated limits.
• Act as a subject matter expert for Non-QM and Closed-End Second loan programs and related investor requirements.
• Knowledge of FNMA documentation and general guidelines/standards is essential. Additionally, must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing Non-QM loan products is highly recommended.
• Conduct periodic loan-level audits to ensure compliance with company quality and credit standards.
• Track and report departmental productivity and error trends to the Director of Non-QM Underwriting and/or Corporate Underwriting.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, including Sales and brokers, through effective communication.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and train team members on underwriting best practices, credit policy application, and system processes.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance.
• Plaza also offers additional benefits such as an employee friends and family loan and an employee assistance program that includes a variety of discounted services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED