Lending Operations Manager

Position Summary:

The Lending Operations Manager oversees the underwriting/processing department, ensuring timely, efficient, accurate, and compliant evaluation of loan applications. This role involves managing underwriting staff, establishing credit policies and procedures, analyzing loan risk, and maintaining adherence to regulatory and organizational standards. The ideal candidate has strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills with a deep understanding of lending practices and risk management. In addition, this role will assist in any special lending projects and initiatives including product development, ancillary product oversight and administration of the loan origination system.

This position requires the ability to work during the branch hours of operation, including Fridays and some Saturdays with additional time as required to fulfill responsibilities. Additionally, this position is required to represent the Credit Union in the community at events and volunteer functions when possible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Lead, train, and mentor a team of loan underwriters, processors and support staff.
• Establish and monitor performance, productivity metrics, and quality standards for the processing and underwriting team.
• Oversee daily processing and underwriting operations to ensure timely processing, accurate documentation, and consistent application of credit policies. Assist with pipeline management.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize team performance.
• Assist in supporting the e-branch as necessary including but not limited to phone system management, member service, card services, lending and escalations

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Review and approve high-value or complex loan applications within assigned authority limits.
• Conduct and track management reviews, exception reviews and declination reviews to ensure sound lending decisions.
• Analyze applicant financial data, credit reports, collateral, and loan structures to assess risk and ensure portfolio quality.
• Maintain sound credit decisions that balance growth objectives with portfolio quality.
• Develop, implement, and refine underwriting policies, procedures, and risk tolerance frameworks in partnership with the Finance Team.
• Identify trends and emerging risks within the portfolio and make recommendations to mitigate potential losses.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lending regulations (e.g., ECOA, HMDA, Fair Lending, CFPB, etc.).
• Conduct audits and quality control reviews to ensure underwriting integrity and identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with Compliance and Human Resources to maintain regulatory readiness and adherence to organizational policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Retail to streamline loan processes and improve member experience.
• Provide expert guidance and training to lenders and other stakeholders regarding underwriting standards and credit risk.
• Support new product development and system enhancements with underwriting insights and recommendations. This includes support with ancillary product training and development.
• Assist originator and processers with booking errors or discrepancies.
• Serve as backup to the Director of Real Estate and Loan Servicing and Member Resolutions
• Act as a liaison between the underwriting team and senior leadership to communicate challenges, opportunities, and performance metrics.

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and portfolio growth initiatives through insights on lending trends and risk management.
• Promote a culture of innovation and operational excellence within the underwriting and processing functions.
• Lead special projects or initiatives assigned by senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possess thorough knowledge of Credit Union Lending and Collections Policies, Procedures and Products.
• Experience in training and motivating a team and must understand the requirements of regulatory bodies and know the proper administrative, documentation, and servicing procedures.
• Deep understanding of how a credit union functions, and the value it brings to its member's and community. This includes understanding of what a Cooperative is, as that is the business models of all credit unions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and generate grammatically correct written reports, letters, memorandums, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to establish working relationships and interact effectively with a wide range of individuals, members, and vendors.
• Solid organizational, management and team-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability negotiating complex agreements to achieve the best outcome for the organization.
• Experienced in engaging, collaborating, and building trust amongst internal, external, and prospective members.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with sensitive credit union issues.
• Ability to work closely with a variety of personalities and maintain calm under pressure.
• Discreet, able to handle confidential and proprietary information appropriately. High level of integrity.
• Self-motivated, confident and ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to problem solve and provide solutions to staff and members.
• Be neat, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Always represent the best interests of the Credit Union in words and actions.
• Embrace and promote a positive workplace culture and to lead by example.
• Complete all required training by or before the assigned deadline.

Confidentiality:

Employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive Cornerstone CFCU, member, employee, and proprietary information both during and after their employment. If an employee has a question about the confidentiality of a particular matter, they should consult with their Manager/Supervisor or Human Resources. Any violation of this rule may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree or higher preferred.
• 2-5 years of financial services experience. Credit Union or Bank preferred.
• 2-5 years of Underwriting experience.
• 3+ years of Lending Operations Management experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, including word, excel and PowerPoint
• Consumer/business lending experience preferred.
• Bondable upon initial employment and continue to be bondable throughout term of employment.

Physical Requirements:

The functions of the position usually performed sitting but may require some amount of time standing. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, typewriter, calculator, cutting, labeling, and taping involve extensive wrist and hand movements. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others.

EOERace/Sex/Vet/Disability

Cornerstone CFCU is an equal opportunity employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following EEO Is the Law poster:

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Cornerstone CFCU is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different.

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