Loan Operations Manager

Loan Documentation and Operations Manager

Location: Novato or Rancho Cordova, CA (ideal location: Novato, but flexible)

Reports to: Credit Risk Management

Overview

A well-established, high-performing community bank—recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work" in its region—seeks a Loan Documentation and Operations Manager to oversee the full life cycle of commercial and consumer loan operations.

This role manages all aspects of loan documentation, boarding, processing, servicing, and reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance and exceptional service delivery across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned loan operations leader with deep expertise in both loan documentation and loan servicing, capable of serving as a subject matter expert and go-to resource for the team on complex or unusual loan scenarios.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the loan operations and documentation teams, overseeing staff in multiple locations (Novato, Petaluma, and Rancho Cordova).
• Ensure optimal staffing levels, cross-training, and coordination between distributed teams.
• Chair regular operations meetings to strengthen communication, identify process improvements, and resolve issues.

Operational Excellence

• Direct workflows across loan servicing, closing, and documentation functions.
• Maintain proficiency in LaserPro, FIS, and related systems; manage system updates, training, and user access.
• Oversee loan input, verification, and system boarding while maintaining strong segregation of duties.
• Design, test, and refine system parameters to support multiple departments efficiently.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable federal and state banking regulations, internal audit standards, and organizational policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with loan officers and department heads to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance in all documentation.
• Act as liaison between loan operations, compliance, and internal audit teams.
• Serve as a central resource for operational questions—especially in areas such as loan boarding, document preparation, and system use.

Compliance & Risk

• Assist in audit responses and regulatory examinations; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stay current on changing regulations and industry best practices; proactively update internal procedures.
• Participate in key committees, including business continuity and process improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise loan documentation and loan servicing personnel.
• Oversee hiring, training, performance reviews, and team development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and proactive problem-solving.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–7 years in commercial banking operations, with extensive experience in loan documentation and loan servicing.
• Proven management and leadership background within a financial institution.

Technical & Regulatory Expertise

• Proficiency in LaserPro and FIS systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and documentation standards for all loan types.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and influence others.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail with a focus on efficiency and compliance.

Location & Work Environment

The preferred location for this position is Novato, though candidates based in Rancho Cordova or Petaluma will also be considered. The loan operations and documentation teams are distributed across these locations, with flexibility for periodic onsite collaboration.