Real Estate Lending Operations Manager

Kitsap Credit Union • Bremerton, WA

2d • $81,170 - $97,795 • Hybrid

About The Position

Kitsap Credit Union is in search of a Real Estate Lending Operations Manager.
The Real Estate Lending Operations Manager is accountable for regulatory
compliance, vendor oversight, and operational leadership of real estate lending
funding functions. This role ensures full compliance with all federal, state,
and industry regulations governing mortgage and real estate lending; manages
third-party vendor relationships supporting mortgage and real estate lending
products; and leads a team of funding processors to deliver accurate, timely,
and compliant loan funding. The position drives operational excellence through
effective people leadership, performance management, process optimization, and
risk mitigation while supporting a high-quality member experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold teams accountable in a highly regulated lending environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of underwriting and lending operations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to make decisions and propose recommendations to mitigate or reduce risk.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Deep understanding of lending regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Deep understanding of HMDA audits.
• Knowledge of first and second mortgage real estate lending practices including federal regulatory requirements, state regulations, agency, and Credit Union requirements.
• Understand, model, and represent KCU’s core values.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, required.
• Five plus years’ experience processing loans, loan documentation, underwriting or other lending experience.
• 2 plus years of people leadership experience.
• Must be registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) within 30 days of hire and comply with the SAFE Act regulations.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary owner for compliance with all federal, state, and industry regulations governing mortgage and real estate lending, including HMDA, SAFE Act, TRID, RESPA, GSE, and MERS requirements.
• Oversees HMDA data integrity, monitoring, reporting, and annual submission.
• Performs and oversees pre- and post-closing quality reviews, exception tracking, audits, and remediation to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Acts as the SAFE Act Officer and manages NMLS onboarding and renewals for designated employees.
• Manages and oversees all third-party vendor relationships supporting mortgage and real estate lending operations, including origination, funding, compliance, and servicing support vendors.
• Ensures vendor performance, compliance, service levels, and contractual obligations align with regulatory requirements and Credit Union standards.
• Reviews third-party documentation (including collateral valuations and title reports) to ensure regulatory and Credit Union requirements are met and determines when additional due diligence is required.
• Leads, coaches, and develops a team of real estate lending funding processors, ensuring performance, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met.
• Establishes, monitors, and manages production metrics, turnaround times, and quality standards in a compliant manner.
• Oversees funding operations for Home Equity and HELOC loans, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution across all stages of the lending lifecycle.
• Collaborates with underwriting and centralized funding teams to streamline workflows and improve efficiency and member experience.

Benefits

• Free onsite parking
• Annual time off and sick time accrued
• 11 paid holidays
• 1 Personal Floating Day
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-term Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Choose from a PPO medical plan or a High Deductible with a Health Savings Account
• 3% KCU funded Safe Harbor Contribution to your 401K
• KCU will match up to 2% of your 401K contributions
• All 401K contributions are 100% vested
• Potential annual incentive in all roles within Kitsap Credit Union
• Tuition reimbursement
• 8 hours of paid volunteer time off
• Discounts on KCU's products and services
• Enjoy unlimited ORCA transit access through KCU for less than $45 a year—your cost as an employee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees