About the Lender:

The Lender is a leading Non-QM wholesale mortgage company headquartered in California, recognized for its innovative loan products and exceptional service. With a strong focus on providing flexible lending solutions, the Lender has established itself as a market leader in Non-QM and Non-Agency lending. As the company continues to expand, it is seeking a dynamic Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Underwriting to lead and strengthen its underwriting team.

Position Summary:

The AVP of Underwriting will oversee and manage a high-performing team of underwriters and 2 UW leads ensuring compliance, quality, and timeliness of loan decisions across a diverse range of Non-QM products. This leader will collaborate closely with senior leadership, operations, and sales to maintain and enhance underwriting standards while driving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, critical thinking, and a proven track record of managing underwriting teams within the Non-QM space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the underwriting department, including recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management of underwriters and support staff.
• Ensure all underwriting decisions are made within company guidelines, investor requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on product development, guideline enhancements, and risk assessment strategies.
• Review and analyze complex loan files, providing guidance and second-level reviews for escalated files.
• Monitor and maintain underwriting turn-times, quality control, and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure high client satisfaction.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to improve underwriting consistency, efficiency, and risk management.
• Partner with Sales, Operations, and Credit Risk to resolve issues, provide solutions, and support production goals.
• Stay current with Non-QM market trends, investor guidelines, and regulatory changes, proactively updating processes as needed.
• Conduct regular reporting and analytics to senior management on underwriting performance, quality trends, and pipeline status.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of mortgage underwriting experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership/management role, ideally within Non-QM or Non-Agency lending.
• Deep understanding of Non-QM guidelines, products, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience managing a high-volume, deadline-driven underwriting team with a focus on service, quality, and risk management.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities, including the ability to analyze complex borrower profiles and provide creative lending solutions within guidelines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to train, develop, and motivate underwriters to achieve high performance and maintain compliance.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Proficient in loan origination systems (LOS), automated underwriting systems (AUS), and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience underwriting bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion, and ITIN/foreign national loans.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding organization.