[Hiring] Underwriting Manager @Cascade Financial Services

Role Description

The Agency Underwriting Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations, performance, and strategic development of the Agency Underwriting Department. This role oversees:

• Underwriting quality
• Productivity
• Service levels
• Staffing capacity
• Operational efficiency

This position ensures compliance with agency guidelines, applicable federal and state regulations, and company credit policies. The Agency Underwriting Manager establishes departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational benchmarks to drive consistent results, maintain service-level expectations, and support overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Leadership and Performance Management
  • Lead and manage daily operations of the Agency Underwriting Department.
  • Establish, communicate, and monitor departmental goals and KPIs.
  • Monitor underwriting productivity, volume, and service-level performance.
  • Develop and maintain departmental performance reports and dashboards.
  • Analyze performance results and implement corrective action plans.
  • Provide regular reporting and performance updates to senior leadership.
  • Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• KPI Management, Budgeting, and Capacity Planning
  • Establish and monitor performance drivers influencing productivity and operational costs.
  • Partner with leadership to develop departmental budgets and staffing plans.
  • Monitor actual performance against budget and recommend adjustments.
  • Evaluate workload capacity and staffing needs.
  • Establish workload distribution and escalation processes.
  • Recommend staffing and resource allocation adjustments.
  • Discover and implement new ways to incorporate offshoring personnel.
• Workflow Optimization and Process Improvement
  • Evaluate existing underwriting workflows and identify inefficiencies.
  • Lead initiatives to streamline processes and improve workflow consistency.
  • Develop and maintain standardized procedures and best practices.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage technology and automation.
  • Collaborate with other departments to resolve workflow challenges.
  • Measure the effectiveness of process changes through defined KPIs.
  • Lead change management efforts and ensure appropriate training.
• Coaching, Employee Development, and Accountability
  • Coach and develop underwriting staff to strengthen technical expertise.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback.
  • Monitor individual and team performance against established expectations.
  • Identify training needs and performance gaps.
  • Develop and oversee training programs and continuing education initiatives.
  • Support onboarding and development of new underwriting staff.
  • Address performance concerns proactively.
  • Promote a collaborative and solutions-oriented work environment.
  • Identify opportunities for succession planning and leadership development.
• Underwriting Quality, Credit Policy, and Compliance
  • Oversee underwriting quality and consistency.
  • Maintain current knowledge of agency guidelines and requirements.
  • Monitor quality assurance findings and implement corrective actions.
  • Provide guidance on complex underwriting scenarios.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
  • Communicate policy changes and regulatory updates to the team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Strategic Support
  • Serve as a key point of contact for underwriting-related operational matters.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and other departments.
  • Communicate underwriting performance trends and operational risks.
  • Support the development and implementation of departmental strategies.
  • Represent the Agency Underwriting Department in meetings and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of current or previous mortgage underwriting experience.
• Current or prior DE/FHA underwriting authority.
• Current or prior VA/SARR underwriting authority.
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of FHA Handbook 4000.1 and VA underwriting guidelines.
• Strong understanding of agency underwriting standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience establishing and analyzing KPIs.
• Proven ability to analyze operational reports and identify trends.
• Experience managing workflow distribution and improving operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated success in coaching employees and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using reporting tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
• Strong leadership judgment and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• 401K match
• PTO
• Sick Time
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities