HELOC Underwriting Manager - Remote​/Hybrid​/ In- Office - Paramus, NJ or Houston, TX

HELOC Underwriting Manager - Remote / Hybrid / In-Office - Paramus, NJ or Houston, TX

The HELOC Underwriting Manager is a newly created leadership role responsible for building and leading the Company’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) underwriting department from inception through growth. This role will initially function as both an individual contributor and department leader, personally performing HELOC loan underwriting while simultaneously designing scalable processes, controls, and infrastructure.

• Build the department from the ground up while performing line-level roles as volume and need dictate.
• Hire and manage direct reports to maximize productivity, ensure accurate lending decisions, appropriate controls, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Develop capacity plans based on growth, create job descriptions for new roles, and assist in developing training materials aligned to expected growth and production volumes.
• Manage and perform underwriting of loans and review customer and vendor documentation associated with those loans.
• Monitor team performance, coaching, mentoring, training, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Appraise performance and provide recommendations for promotion, disciplinary action, and termination as appropriate.
• Communicate, coordinate, coach, and review direct reports to ensure efficient operations, high‑quality loan decisions, and appropriate levels of productivity and effectiveness.
• Monitor and evaluate the HELOC pipeline to ensure a quality loan pipeline that drives profitability while managing appropriate levels of risk.
• Partner with credit policy to refine lending policies, update procedures, and test and review policies and procedures to improve efficiency or provide additional risk controls for the department.
• Initiate projects and manage implementations that result in expense reductions and/or improved service and support.
• Partner with Retail and Wholesale Departments, and Sales Managers, to manage the HELOC product, processes, procedures, and ongoing evaluation of trends, competitor programs, and internal stakeholder needs.
• Manage vendor relations required to support automated decision tools for HELOC loans (e.g., initial decision, conditions, flood, appraisal, title).
• Create and maintain a culture of compliance and manage risk appropriately, including Fair Lending, HMDA, RESPA, and CFPB considerations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and follow all company policies to minimize risk.

• Minimum five years of experience in Home Equity or Mortgage Underwriting management, demonstrating solid understanding of HELOC/Mortgage lending and underwriter management.
• Strong proficiency in PC applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Outlook.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret procedures, manuals, policies, and regulations to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Experience with AI applications, particularly in assisting with the development and implementation of decision and process automation.
• Experience using Meridian Link Loan Origination System (LOS) – Preferred.
• Above‑average oral and written communication skills, strong customer service and analytical skills.
• Forward thinker who seeks ways to improve and innovate within the team.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, and a wide array of voluntary products and discounts.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive additional compensation program via monthly production bonus based on individual performance.
• Exempt position.

LBF is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer.