Real Estate Lending Manager

Signal Financial Federal Credit Union•Kensington, MD

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Real Estate Lending Manager leads the Credit Union’s Real Estate Lending Department and is accountable for its production, compliance, quality, and operational performance. The role oversees the full mortgage origination process, from application and processing through underwriting, closing, funding, and secondary-market delivery. It ensures adherence to applicable regulations, investor requirements, and Credit Union policies while promoting exceptional member service, needs-based selling, operational excellence, and employee development. The manager also serves as the business administrator and subject matter expert for the Credit Union’s Loan Origination System (LOS). The position is based at the Kensington, Maryland headquarters and follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Signal Financial is a growing Credit Union serving more than 18,000 members and holding more than $377 million in assets. It aims to grow into a multi-billion-dollar financial institution through innovative products and services and an enhanced membership experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least five years of progressive mortgage or real estate lending experience, including mortgage production, underwriting, secondary-market lending, compliance, and quality control.
At least three years of management or supervisory experience leading lending operations and personnel.
Thorough knowledge of residential mortgage lending products, underwriting practices, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, and applicable lending regulations.
Strong understanding of credit union lending policies, procedures, and risk management principles.
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, employee development, and performance management skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Commitment to exceptional member service and fostering member relationships.
Proficiency with Loan Origination Systems, automated underwriting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.
Credit union experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the overall operations and performance of the Real Estate Lending Department.
Establish departmental goals, performance standards, and key performance indicators aligned with organizational objectives.
Direct, coach, develop, and evaluate department personnel.
Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
Drive mortgage production and portfolio growth through pipeline management, business development, and strategic planning.
Promote consultative, needs-based sales focused on members’ financial well-being and appropriate Credit Union products and services.
Ensure exceptional member service throughout the mortgage lending process and promptly resolve escalated member concerns.
Monitor market trends, competitive conditions, and lending opportunities to support growth and profitability.
Oversee mortgage origination, processing, underwriting, closing, funding, and secondary-market delivery.
Ensure efficient workflows, appropriate resource allocation, and achievement of service-level standards.
Provide guidance and decision support on complex lending scenarios, exceptions, and underwriting matters.
Maintain expertise in residential real estate lending products, including conventional and portfolio mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, manufactured home loans, and related products.
Ensure loans are originated, documented, closed, and sold in accordance with Credit Union policies and investor requirements.
Manage relationships with investors, settlement agents, appraisers, and other lending partners.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, investor requirements, and Credit Union policies.
Develop, maintain, and periodically update departmental procedures, controls, and operating guidelines.
Administer and maintain the department’s quality control program to ensure loan quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Monitor loan quality trends, operational risks, audit findings, and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions when needed.
Support internal and external audits, regulatory examinations, and quality control reviews.
Promote quality, compliance, risk awareness, and operational integrity throughout the department.
Ensure accurate HMDA reporting and regulatory data integrity.
Serve as business owner, administrator, and subject matter expert for the Credit Union’s Loan Origination System.
Oversee LOS configuration, workflow optimization, user access, testing, upgrades, and vendor relationships.
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and effectiveness of departmental systems, reports, and data.
Prepare, analyze, and distribute management reports on production, pipeline performance, service levels, loan quality, compliance, and departmental results.
Monitor performance against established goals and recommend improvements.
Review and validate incentive compensation and commission calculations for eligible lending staff.
Assist with departmental budgeting, strategic planning, and operational initiatives that support organizational goals.
Perform other duties or responsibilities management may deem necessary.