Underwriting Manager

Underwriting ManagerThe Underwriting Manager is responsible for the leadership, supervision, performance, and overall effectiveness of HUNT Mortgage's residential mortgage underwriting department. The position ensures that mortgage loans are underwritten accurately, consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable agency, government, investor, regulatory, and company requirements. The Underwriting Manager is responsible for maintaining underwriting quality, managing departmental workflow, establishing performance expectations, developing underwriting staff, and ensuring timely decisions that support company production objectives. An essential responsibility is fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented underwriting environment that balances sound credit decisions and regulatory compliance with operational efficiency and exceptional service to Mortgage Consultants and borrowers. The Underwriting Manager will work closely with Sales, Processing, Closing, Secondary Marketing, Compliance, and executive management to identify operational challenges, improve workflows, and support the organization's overall success.Key ResponsibilitiesUnderwriting Department Leadership & ManagementUnderwriting Quality & Credit Risk ManagementWorkflow Management & Operational EfficiencySales & Operations CollaborationInvestor, Agency & Regulatory ComplianceUnderwriting Staff DevelopmentDepartmental Reporting & Strategic InitiativesRequirementsExtensive residential mortgage underwriting experience, including conventional and government loan programs.Thorough knowledge of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA, and investor underwriting requirements.Prior underwriting management, supervisory, or team leadership experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex income, asset, credit, collateral, and borrower eligibility scenarios.Strong understanding of automated underwriting systems, including Desktop Underwriter (DU) and Loan Product Advisor (LPA).Experience with mortgage loan origination systems and underwriting technology.Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain underwriting quality in a production-oriented environment.FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and VA underwriting authority or experience preferred, as applicable.Performance ExpectationsAchievement of established underwriting turnaround times.Underwriter productivity and workload management.Quality, accuracy, and consistency of underwriting decisions.Reduction in preventable loan defects, investor suspense items, and repurchase exposure. Effective management of underwriting conditions and resubmissions.Staff development, accountability, and departmental performance.Improvement in communication and collaboration with Sales and Operations. Successful implementation of workflow and technology improvements.Compliance with agency, investor, regulatory, and company requirements. Contribution to company production goals and operational efficiency.Position ObjectiveThe Underwriting Manager is expected to build and lead a knowledgeable, efficient, consistent, and service-oriented underwriting department that supports HUNT Mortgage's production goals while maintaining the highest standards of credit quality, compliance, and risk management. The position requires a leader who understands that underwriting is both a critical risk management function and an essential partner in delivering a positive mortgage experience.