Mortgage Loan Officer- First Financial Bank- Chicago

Mortgage Loan Officer

Employment Type: Full-time, Direct Hire Location: Chicago, IL (3 days onsite / 2 remote)

About the Company: Our client is a growing financial institution with a strong presence in mortgage lending, offering specialized products tailored to builders, realtors, and referral partners. The organization emphasizes production, autonomy, and relationship-driven business development in a performance-oriented environment.

About the Role: The company is seeking a high-producing Mortgage Loan Officer to originate and grow a residential mortgage portfolio. This is a field-focused role requiring strong self-sourcing ability, an established referral network, and a proven track record of production. The position offers significant independence and support through dedicated resources and niche product offerings.

What You'll Do:

• Originate residential mortgage loans through self-generated leads and referral partners
• Build and maintain relationships with realtors, builders, HOAs, title companies, attorneys, and CPAs
• Attend networking events, trade shows, and industry functions to drive business development
• Evaluate borrower needs and present tailored mortgage solutions
• Manage the full loan lifecycle from application through closing and funding
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of loan documentation and disclosures
• Maintain ongoing client relationships to generate repeat and referral business
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a smooth and timely closing process
• Develop and execute a personal business plan to achieve production goals

What You Bring:

• Minimum of 2+ years of residential mortgage origination experience (4+ preferred)
• Proven production history, ideally $12M–$20M+ annually
• Established referral network that generates consistent deal flow
• Strong knowledge of Conventional and Government loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA)
• Experience with loan origination systems and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently in a highly autonomous, production-driven environment
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and sales skills
• NMLS license (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in construction or builder-focused lending environments
• Familiarity with platforms such as Blend, Encompass, and Optimal Blue
• Background working as a banker with long-term relationship focus

What's in it for You:

• Strong earning potential with commission-driven structure
• Draw/ramp support to stabilize income during onboarding
• High degree of autonomy with flexibility in how you build your business
• Dedicated support resources (Loan Assistants, internal teams)
• Access to niche, competitive mortgage products that create differentiation in the market
• Hybrid schedule with a mix of fieldwork, onsite presence, and remote flexibility