Mortgage Operations Manager (Title Commensurate with Experience) - IL

We are seeking a service-oriented Mortgage Operations Manager (Title Commensurate with Experience) to lead day-to-day operations of the Mortgage department, including loan processing, underwriting, and closing activities. This position provides operational leadership, ensures compliance with regulatory and investor requirements, and drives initiatives that support efficient, high-quality customer service to our community banks. This role serves as a key resource for underwriting expertise, policy development, and risk management while fostering operational excellence and service. Leadership & Management: • Provide leadership for the Mortgage Operations team including processing, underwriting and closing • Develop innovative strategies to enhance performance of staff • Produces and monitors an annual budget • Ensures area has proper staffing, efficiencies and customer service satisfaction • Provide training and cross-training for all positions under supervision • Establish individual goals for staff to ensure overall department success • Contributes to the strategic plan • Executes department-related bank policies • Direct supervision of staff through the entire employment lifecycle Mortgage Operations: • Manage all aspects of daily underwriting functions • Direct communication with correspondent banks to ensure smooth, timely and efficient transactions • Partner with audit, compliance and external regulators/auditors to ensure department compliance • Assist in development of systems for implementation of new investors • Liaison between investors, correspondent bank, and Bankers' Bank for related department issues • Assist in the development and implementation of new products including product roll-out and corresponding bulletins and training materials Administrative & Customer Service: • Assist as back-up to other areas within the Mortgage department and all other duties as assigned. Ideal candidate will possess an associate degree in accounting, finance, business or other related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the functions of the job. Five or more years of residential mortgage underwriting, mortgage operations, secondary market lending, or other related mortgage experience, including prior management or supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience leading, supervising, coaching, and developing employees, preferably within a mortgage lending or financial services environment.