SVP, Credit Risk/Chief Underwriter

Responsibilities and Duties

• Utilize knowledge of mortgage industry, real estate market trends, Plaza’s risk philosophy, and relevant loan performance data.
• Participate with other departments in designing, developing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Plaza’s products, programs, initiatives, policies, procedures and guidelines with expertise.
• Develop and communicate eligibility criteria, data entry, or other relevant information relating to Plaza products and programs.
• Serve as liaison with FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Investors regarding enhancements or changes to their guidelines and services, including use of their automated decision systems and exceptions, approving products, programs and guidelines.
• Work closely with the Operations and Risk Management Teams to evaluate performance and organization trends and recommend changes ensuring the quality and profitability of the organization.
• Support the development, implementation and use of automated system solutions to provide underwriting efficiency.
• Prepare and distribute comprehensive communication by managing communication through memos, bulletins, announcements and guideline releases to ensure consistency amongst all departments
• Promote the development and sharing of best practices.
• Review loans escalated through the appeals process by the Regional Manager or the Corporate Underwriting Team.
• Oversee and administer workflows to ensure most efficient and cost-effective processes are maintained throughout underwriting process.
• Perform and present a comprehensive group of reports and analysis of performance related data for the department.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Education

• This position requires a college degree in related field or any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position
• 15+ years experience in Mortgage banking, 10+ years experience in a Credit Risk/Policy Analysis type position
• 5+ years supervisory/management experience. Incumbent must possess extensive knowledge of the principals, concepts, strategies and practices used in credit risk management with a strong understanding of Agency and investor underwriting guidelines and knowledge of sales of mortgage loans into secondary market.
• Also required is the ability to understand and make recommended changes to Standard Operating Procedures and familiarity with state and federal lending regulations required.
• Additional regulations incumbent should understand include, but are not limited to: HMDA, Regulation Z, Regulation B, the FHLMC, FNMA, FHA rules and processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; exceptional attention to detail, excellent research and organizational skills, the ability to manage time, multi-task, prioritize work in a high paced environment, and ability and experience handling deadlines. Incumbent must possess outstanding interpersonal and problem solving skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Position also requires proficient knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), experience with Desktop Underwriter and/or Loan Prospector underwriting systems is required, and knowledge of loan origination software systems is desired.
• Ability to learn and train others in the use of specialized mortgage lending software will be required.
• Effective problem solving and leadership skills are essential, as well as the ability to be self-motivated and possess the ability to motivate and train others in a team environment.
• College degree in a related field or any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform the duties of the position
• 15+ years in Mortgage Banking
• 10+ years in Credit Risk/Policy Analysis type position
• 5+ years supervisory/management experience
• Proficiency with computer systems including loan origination systems, automated underwriting systems, and MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)