SVP. of Credit at theLender

Job Title: Senior Vice President (SVP) of Credit

Department: Credit/Underwriting

Reports To: Chief Credit Officer (CCO)

Location: Lake Forest, CA

Type: Full-Time, Executive Level

Position Overview:

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Credit for Hometown Equity Mortgage, dba theLender will be responsible for overseeing the company’s credit policy, risk management strategies, and overall underwriting functions. This role involves ensuring that all Non-QM loans meet company credit guidelines, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements. The SVP will work closely with the underwriting team, sales, and operations to support the expansion of Non-QM lending while maintaining credit quality and risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the credit and underwriting teams, providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the company’s goals and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement credit policies and guidelines that ensure responsible lending practices while supporting business growth.
• Collaborate with the executive team on overall business strategy, risk management, and portfolio performance.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Contribute to the development and refinement of Non-QM credit policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations applicable to Non-QM loans, including Ability-to-Repay (ATR) rules, Dodd-Frank, and other lending laws.
• Collaborate with the compliance team to monitor evolving Non-QM regulations and ensure the company’s loan products are up to date with current legal standards.

Risk Management:

• Monitor the overall performance of the Non-QM loans, identifying trends in credit risk and working to mitigate potential areas of concern.
• Develop and implement strategies for reducing credit risk in Non-QM loan originations without sacrificing business growth.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to underwriters on Non-QM products, underwriting standards, and risk management practices.
• Foster a collaborative culture, encouraging teamwork between the credit department and other departments (sales, operations) to drive results.
• Provide training and development opportunities for team members to keep them informed on industry trends and best practices.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with the sales, operations, and secondary marketing teams to facilitate a seamless loan process from origination to closing.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Non-QM loans, providing training and support to sales teams to help them understand Non-QM underwriting requirements and risk appetite.
• Liaise with external investors or partners to ensure Non-QM loan products meet investor requirements and expectations.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and workflow efficiencies within the Non-QM credit and underwriting process.
• Implement tools and technologies to enhance the underwriting process for Non-QM loans, improving quality.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and innovations in Non-QM lending.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in mortgage credit, underwriting, or risk management, with specific expertise in Non-QM loan products. Proven experience in a leadership or executive role, managing large teams and strategic initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Non-QM lending guidelines, regulations, and underwriting practices, including alternative income documentation methods such as bank statements or asset depletion.
• Familiarity with mortgage industry regulations, including ATR/QM rules, Dodd-Frank, and other relevant laws.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to review complex loan files and make sound credit decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.