Scenario Desk

Acra Lending•Irvine, CA

6d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Scenario Desk leads the Company's Scenario Desk function, providing guidance and expertise on complex Non-QM loan scenarios to support responsible loan production and exceptional customer service. This role serves as the primary resource for loan originators, account executives, brokers, and internal teams seeking eligibility, guideline, product, and structuring guidance prior to loan submission. The position requires deep underwriting knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to interpret and apply lending guidelines consistently while supporting sales growth objectives.

Requirements

Proficiency with mortgage loan origination systems (LOS).
Strong knowledge of underwriting guidelines and income calculation methodologies.
Ability to interpret program matrices and overlays.
Experience using pricing engines and eligibility tools.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
7+ years of mortgage lending experience.
5+ years of Non-QM underwriting, credit, scenario desk, or sales support experience.
Demonstrated expertise in complex residential mortgage loan analysis.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of team leadership or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and assess complex loan scenarios submitted by brokers, loan officers, and account executives.
Provide guidance regarding borrower eligibility, credit requirements, income qualification, asset sourcing, reserve requirements, and collateral considerations.
Identify the most appropriate loan product and structure based on the borrower's profile.
Analyze complex transactions and develop alternative solutions when a loan does not fit standard program parameters.
Interpret Non-QM underwriting guidelines and communicate requirements clearly to production teams.
Serve as subject matter expert on new and existing loan products.
Partner with Account Executives and Sales Leadership to support loan origination efforts.
Assist originators in structuring loans that maximize approval potential while maintaining guideline compliance.
Act as a trusted resource for brokers and business partners.
Improve conversion rates by identifying solutions early in the loan process.
Support growth initiatives through timely and accurate scenario responses.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all agency, non-agency, and proprietary lending programs.
Ensure consistent interpretation of guidelines across all channels.
Escalate complex scenarios requiring policy clarification or exception consideration.
Collaborate with Credit Policy and Underwriting leadership regarding guideline updates and product enhancements.
Assist in developing internal scenario reference materials and job aids.
Lead, coach, and develop Scenario Desk Analysts.
Establish service-level standards for response times and quality.
Monitor workload distribution and staffing requirements.
Conduct quality reviews of scenario responses.
Provide ongoing training regarding underwriting guidelines and product updates.
Identify recurring guideline questions and recommend clarifications.
Develop workflow efficiencies to improve turnaround times.
Partner with Operations and Technology teams to enhance scenario management systems.
Implement reporting and tracking mechanisms to monitor activity and trends.
Work closely with Underwriting, Credit Risk, Sales, Operations, Product Development, Capital Markets, Quality Control, and Compliance.
Facilitate communication between production and credit teams.
Support implementation of new products and program enhancements.