Underwriter Manager

Underwriter Manager

The Underwriter Manager leads the underwriting function for residential mortgage loans, ensuring compliance with investor, agency, and regulatory guidelines. This role manages the Willamette Valley Bank Underwriting Team, collaborates with Sales on loan structuring, and drives operational excellence through training and communication. The Manager plays a key role in maintaining loan salability, minimizing repurchase risk, and delivering a high-quality borrower experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor the Underwriting Team to ensure consistent application of guidelines and high-quality loan decisions
• Provide coverage for team members and leadership during absences, and lead monthly meetings to review audit findings and performance
• Oversee time sheet approvals, maintain performance documentation, and deliver ongoing training and updates to underwriting staff

Strategic Collaboration

• Partner with Sales to structure complex loan scenarios and ensure eligibility and salability
• Respond to scenario inquiries and provide guidance on investor and agency requirements
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders to resolve underwriting issues and support post-closing efforts

Compliance & Quality Control

• Ensure all loans meet corporate credit policy and comply with ATR/QM provisions under the Dodd-Frank Act
• Monitor investor and agency guideline changes and communicate updates through Operational Announcements
• Conduct second-level reviews and income analysis to support underwriting decisions and ensure salability

Underwriting Duties

• Underwrite new loan files and evaluate borrower creditworthiness using financial documentation and credit reports
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, including ATR and QM provisions
• Review loan applications, assets, appraisals, and project documentation to confirm accuracy and adherence to guidelines

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or Economics, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5 years of mortgage underwriting experience, with 3 to 5 years in a supervisory or management role
• Expert knowledge of FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, FHLMC, and non-QM investor requirements
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
• Strong knowledge of agency guidelines (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA)
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities

About Us

Where Local Means Everything…

If you ask us, local means that our connection to the places in which we work goes beyond geography, it means we are ingrained in the local economy, we are part of the culture, and we help support our neighbors through volunteering, community outreach, and charitable donations.

Banking Local means your money gets reinvested into your local communities and keeps your small towns thriving. When you put your money in a local bank, you are helping to provide a tractor to local farmers, an oven for the neighborhood bakery, and a home for the family next door.

ADA Statement: The responsibilities listed are representative of the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Willamette Valley Bank is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider all qualified applicants for employment, regardless of background or personal characteristics. If you need any assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to us at careers@wvbk.com. We’re here to support you every step of the way.