SVP Real Estate Processing

About the role

If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," join our team! Leads the complete lifecycle of real estate secured loans (mortgages and HELOCs) by driving strategic alignment between Originations, Underwriting, and Compliance. By leading a multi-tiered team of VPs and Managers, this role optimizes pipeline flow to ensure the timely processing of all real estate products. The SVP establishes high-level frameworks to ensure all loan files meet rigorous standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the role exercises senior lending authority for complex, high-limit credit applications that require expert risk assessment. The SVP ensures operational excellence and leadership development to safeguard the institution and enhance the member experience within Real Estate Lending. Essential Responsibilities: (30 %) Cross-Functional Strategic Integration: Orchestrate the "high-level handshake" between Real Estate Originations and the Processing department. Align processing capacity with sales forecasts to ensure seamless pipeline flow, proactively resolving bottlenecks to meet organizational "Time to Close" objectives without compromising file quality. (20 %) Underwriting & Credit Alignment: Partner with the Underwriting Department to calibrate processing workflows with current credit policy and secondary market appetites. Establish standardized protocols to minimize conditions and ensure that files submitted for final approval are comprehensive and accurately structured. (15 %) Compliance & Quality Control Governance: Collaborate directly with the Compliance and Quality Control (QC) departments to embed regulatory requirements (TRID, HMDA, Reg Z) into the daily processing workflow. Act as the executive point of escalation for findings, implementing systemic corrective actions to ensure adherence to regulatory mandates. (15%) Strategic Credit Oversight & Approval Authority: Serve as the departmental authority for the most complex, high-limit, or exception-based real estate loan applications. Exercise executive lending authority to approve or deny credit within the organization's highest tiered limits, ensuring every decision aligns with the Credit Union's long-term risk appetite and regulatory standards. (10 %) Talent Leadership & Succession Planning: Provide executive oversight to a tiered leadership team (VPs and Managers). Focus on high-level talent development, ensuring that processing leaders possess the technical acumen and regulatory knowledge necessary to manage complex, high-volume environments. (10 %) Subject Matter Expertise: Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure that we remain compliant with internal and external standards. Required Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities): Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business, Accounting, Finance, Management, or Liberal Arts). Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience managing multiple high-functioning teams within the mortgage industry concentrated in loan origination, processing, closing, post-closing, underwriting, or servicing operations. Expert-level knowledge of the mortgage lifecycle, including secondary market requirements (FNMA/FHLMC) and complex regulatory environments. Must be registered as an active MLO with the NMLS. Proven ability to direct departmental operations and own the execution of functional strategies to achieve institutional objectives. Possesses an analytical mindset with a demonstrated track record of leveraging data to drive process improvements and operational efficiency. Exceptional communication and influence skills, with the ability to articulate strategic initiatives to senior leadership and secure organizational buy-in. Strong aptitude for cross-departmental cooperation and relationship management, maintaining professional empathy with vendors, colleagues, and members. Preferred Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities): Deep understanding of the Credit Union philosophy and experience in a member-owned financial institution. Advanced experience with MortgageBot or similar Enterprise Loan Origination Systems (LOS) at a strategic administrative level. Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) or Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU) designation. Job Environment & Physical Requirements: Primarily onsite with some hybrid possibilities with a dedicated, quiet work environment to make and receive phone calls. Some office setting work may be required with physical proximity to other employees and background noise. Use hands and fingers to press keys on a computer keyboard to enter or retrieve information. Use hands and fingers to press telephone keypad and lift telephone receiver. Must be able to comprehend and carry out job demands. Must be able to comprehend phone calls. SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, col