Operations

Mortgage Underwriting Manager

Lead the evaluation and approval process for mortgage applications, combining strategic oversight with hands-on underwriting while coaching and developing a collaborative underwriting team.

Location / Work

Chesterfield, MO (on-site)

Employment Type

Full-time - On-site

Compensation

Competitive salary plus bonus

Experience

Underwriting management; FHA DE, VA SAR, CHUMS/LAPP

Compensation Overview

This is a competitive salary-plus-bonus leadership position, based on experience.

About Homestead Financial Mortgage

Homestead Financial Mortgage is an established direct lender with more than 25 years in business. As a direct lender, we handle processing, underwriting, and closing in-house, which gives our team greater control over each file, faster turn times, and a more collaborative day-to-day environment.

We grow around the right group of people. Every team member brings something different to the table, and we build our culture around responsiveness, professionalism, and helping one another succeed.

Role Overview

Join our underwriting team as a Mortgage Underwriting Manager, leading the evaluation and approval process for mortgage applications. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on underwriting to ensure sound lending decisions, mitigate risk, and support our growth.

We believe underwriting should be collaborative and educational. Beyond credit decisions, this role is about coaching, mentoring, and developing underwriters into trusted business partners for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1Mentor and develop underwriters through ongoing coaching and real-time file collaboration.

2Promote a culture of responsiveness, professionalism, and accountability across the team.

3Review complex or exception loan scenarios and ensure sound credit decisions consistent with risk tolerance.

4Monitor loan quality and underwriting accuracy and maintain compliance with investor and agency guidelines.

5Train the team on investor updates, guideline changes, and best practices.

6Partner with production and operations so difficult decisions are communicated clearly, professionally, and respectfully.

Required Qualifications

Proven mortgage underwriting management experience.

FHA Direct Endorsement authority, VA SAR designation, and CHUMS/LAPP authority.

Strong knowledge of mortgage underwriting guidelines and risk assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Jumbo and non-QM investor guidelines.

Familiarity with LOS systems such as Encompass.

Skills & Competencies

Leadership and team-management skills with strong communication and conflict-resolution ability.

Risk assessment and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.

Time management and pipeline prioritization across the team.

Comfortable working in Salesforce (our CRM) and Encompass by ICE Mortgage Technology (our loan origination platform); prior hands-on experience with either is a plus, and we train the right person.

Comfortable using modern AI tools to work more efficiently - for example, drafting and paraphrasing emails, summarizing documents, and sharpening written communication - while always handling client and company information securely.

Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with a habit of picking up the phone to resolve issues directly across sales, processing, underwriting, and closing.

Benefits & Support

401(k) / retirement planHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceLife insuranceHealth savings account (HSA)Paid time offProfessional development support

Specific benefits may vary by role and eligibility.

Licensing & Compliance

FHA Direct Endorsement, VA SAR designation, and CHUMS/LAPP authority are required.
All underwriting must comply with agency and investor guidelines, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA, and Jumbo/non-QM investors.

Application Questions

How many years of underwriting management experience do you have? *
Do you hold FHA Direct Endorsement authority?
Do you hold a VA SAR designation?
Do you hold CHUMS/LAPP authority?
What are your salary requirements?

You will answer these when you apply. Fields marked * are required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Homestead Financial Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.