Plaza Home Mortgage
Non-QM Underwriting Team Manager
Plaza Home Mortgage, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Founded in 2000, Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is a privately owned, full-service national lender, offering Wholesale, Correspondent, Renovation and Reverse residential mortgages. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Plaza employs a network of sales associates to serve its clients nationwide.
Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.
The Non-QM Underwriting Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end underwriting process and providing strong leadership, guidance, and support to a team of experienced underwriters. This role serves as a key resource to the Non-QM department for credit policy interpretation, guideline clarification, and complex loan scenario analysis. The Manager is accountable for ensuring accurate, consistent, and timely credit decisions across a range of Non-QM and Closed-End Second products. This includes evaluating borrower creditworthiness, analyzing supporting documentation, and applying sound judgment to balance production goals with credit quality and risk management. The Manager also plays a critical role in developing underwriting talent, maintaining compliance with investor and company credit standards, and fostering strong collaboration across Operations & Sales to drive efficiency, consistency, and exceptional client service.
This role is full-time; exempt. This position is within our Wholesale Underwriting department and reports to Director, Non-QM Underwriting Manager.
Responsibilities and Duties
Provide daily leadership, training, and guidance to underwriters and underwriting support staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment. Motivate and coach the underwriting team to achieve divisional goals and maintain consistent quality and service levels. Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new underwriters. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to support professional growth and development. Oversee the daily underwriting pipeline to ensure loans are reviewed, approved, and cleared-to-close within established turn times. Monitor departmental reports to identify productivity and quality trends, implementing process improvements where needed. Ensure underwriting activities adhere to Plaza’s credit policies, investor requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Communicate policy and guideline updates clearly and timely to the underwriting team. Collaborate with Regional, Operations, and Sales leadership on monthly goals and service-level management. Partner with Post-Closing and QC teams to resolve suspense issues and ensure delivery quality. Evaluate complex loan scenarios, including credit, income, and asset analyses, to support sound underwriting decisions. Provide second-sign authority and support for underwriters within delegated limits. Act as a subject matter expert for Non-QM and Closed-End Second loan programs and related investor requirements. Knowledge of FNMA documentation and general guidelines/standards is essential. Additionally, must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing Non-QM loan products is highly recommended. Conduct periodic loan-level audits to ensure compliance with company quality and credit standards. Track and report departmental productivity and error trends to the Director of Non-QM Underwriting and/or Corporate Underwriting. Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, including Sales and brokers, through effective communication. Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. Lead, mentor, and train team members on underwriting best practices, credit policy application, and system processes. Perform additional duties and projects as assigned. Qualifications
Extensive, current working knowledge of Non-QM loan programs, guidelines, and investor requirements 2-3 years of hands-on Non-QM underwriting experience, including complex income analysis and exception review 3-5 years of underwriting leadership or team management experience, with proven ability to mentor and develop underwriters Demonstrated skill in monitoring and managing a loan production pipeline to ensure efficiency and accuracy Ability to analyze, recommend, and implement improvements to standard operating procedures Comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations, including HMDA, Regulation Z, and Regulation B, plus a strong working knowledge of FNMA guidelines Experience working in a paperless loan file environment and with image repository systems Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Internet browsers, and general business software Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Strong customer service orientation and commitment to partnership across departments High attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, consistent work under pressure Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills Proven ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively within a team structure Sound judgment and decision-making skills; ability to act quickly and effectively within policy parameters High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred
Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as an employee friends and family loan and an employee assistance program that includes a variety of discounted services.
Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment.
Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce.
Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.
This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113
Please find our updated Privacy Policy at: https://www.plazahomemortgage.com/privacypolicy/
Cigna’s Transparency in Coverage link for Plaza’s careers site. https://www.cigna.com/legal/compliance/machine-readable-files
Plaza NMLS 2113 https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.
The Non-QM Underwriting Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end underwriting process and providing strong leadership, guidance, and support to a team of experienced underwriters. This role serves as a key resource to the Non-QM department for credit policy interpretation, guideline clarification, and complex loan scenario analysis. The Manager is accountable for ensuring accurate, consistent, and timely credit decisions across a range of Non-QM and Closed-End Second products. This includes evaluating borrower creditworthiness, analyzing supporting documentation, and applying sound judgment to balance production goals with credit quality and risk management. The Manager also plays a critical role in developing underwriting talent, maintaining compliance with investor and company credit standards, and fostering strong collaboration across Operations & Sales to drive efficiency, consistency, and exceptional client service.
This role is full-time; exempt. This position is within our Wholesale Underwriting department and reports to Director, Non-QM Underwriting Manager.
Responsibilities and Duties
Provide daily leadership, training, and guidance to underwriters and underwriting support staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment. Motivate and coach the underwriting team to achieve divisional goals and maintain consistent quality and service levels. Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new underwriters. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to support professional growth and development. Oversee the daily underwriting pipeline to ensure loans are reviewed, approved, and cleared-to-close within established turn times. Monitor departmental reports to identify productivity and quality trends, implementing process improvements where needed. Ensure underwriting activities adhere to Plaza’s credit policies, investor requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Communicate policy and guideline updates clearly and timely to the underwriting team. Collaborate with Regional, Operations, and Sales leadership on monthly goals and service-level management. Partner with Post-Closing and QC teams to resolve suspense issues and ensure delivery quality. Evaluate complex loan scenarios, including credit, income, and asset analyses, to support sound underwriting decisions. Provide second-sign authority and support for underwriters within delegated limits. Act as a subject matter expert for Non-QM and Closed-End Second loan programs and related investor requirements. Knowledge of FNMA documentation and general guidelines/standards is essential. Additionally, must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing Non-QM loan products is highly recommended. Conduct periodic loan-level audits to ensure compliance with company quality and credit standards. Track and report departmental productivity and error trends to the Director of Non-QM Underwriting and/or Corporate Underwriting. Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, including Sales and brokers, through effective communication. Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. Lead, mentor, and train team members on underwriting best practices, credit policy application, and system processes. Perform additional duties and projects as assigned. Qualifications
Extensive, current working knowledge of Non-QM loan programs, guidelines, and investor requirements 2-3 years of hands-on Non-QM underwriting experience, including complex income analysis and exception review 3-5 years of underwriting leadership or team management experience, with proven ability to mentor and develop underwriters Demonstrated skill in monitoring and managing a loan production pipeline to ensure efficiency and accuracy Ability to analyze, recommend, and implement improvements to standard operating procedures Comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations, including HMDA, Regulation Z, and Regulation B, plus a strong working knowledge of FNMA guidelines Experience working in a paperless loan file environment and with image repository systems Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Internet browsers, and general business software Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Strong customer service orientation and commitment to partnership across departments High attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, consistent work under pressure Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills Proven ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively within a team structure Sound judgment and decision-making skills; ability to act quickly and effectively within policy parameters High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred
Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as an employee friends and family loan and an employee assistance program that includes a variety of discounted services.
Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment.
Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce.
Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.
This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113
Please find our updated Privacy Policy at: https://www.plazahomemortgage.com/privacypolicy/
Cigna’s Transparency in Coverage link for Plaza’s careers site. https://www.cigna.com/legal/compliance/machine-readable-files
Plaza NMLS 2113 https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.