Mortgage Underwriter Lead

About This Role

Leading the mortgage underwriting team's daily operations is the core of this role, which requires strong analytical and decision-making skills to assess credit risk and make sound underwriting decisions. The successful candidate will provide clear guidance to team members, resolve conflicts, and communicate underwriting decisions and loan stipulations to various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the ability to perform all core responsibilities of an Underwriter with accuracy and sound judgment
• Provide well-reasoned recommendations and solutions to Loan Processors, Loan Officers, and team members to support efficient loan progression
• Conduct second-level reviews to determine whether additional documentation is required to support credit decisions or to identify alternative solutions
• Stay current with regulatory requirements, investor guidelines, and industry trends that impact underwriting decisions and compliance
• Ensure data integrity by verifying that system inputs are accurate and aligned with Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings, as applicable
• Leverage subject matter expertise to address inquiries and resolve complex or escalated issues from team members and cross-functional partners
• Monitor daily team production and pipeline reports, ensuring priorities are aligned and rush requests are addressed promptly
• Review and approve counteroffers submitted by team members to ensure accuracy and adherence to guidelines
• Review and dispute Quality Control (QC) findings on behalf of team members, as appropriate
• Manage loan assignment workflows, including reassigning files when team members are unavailable
• Perform loan-level reviews and provide final sign-off in accordance with company standards
• Oversee team scheduling, including reviewing and approving vacation requests to ensure adequate coverage
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and guidance across all products and loan types, including state-specific requirements, outreach programs, FNMA, Jumbo, and business entity loans
• Support and provide guidance to the Appraisal Review team as needed
• Lead or participate in the rollout of new products, loan types, and special projects, and perform additional duties as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• At least 8+ years of experience in progressive mortgage underwriting experience
• Bachelor
• Prior experience using internal data entry systems, loan origination systems, Microsoft Office, and PDF/Document Retention programs
• Advanced knowledge of required documentation for consumer mortgage applications, including tax returns, financial statements, income verification, and asset documentation