Real Estate Lending Operations Manager job at Kitsap Credit Union in Bremerton, WA

Title: Real Estate Lending Operations Manager Location: Bremerton, Washington, 98337, United States Job category: Real Estate Requisition number: REALE002117 Full-time Hybrid Job details About Us Kitsap Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 300 employees and 14 branches throughout Western Washington. We have a passion for making a positive difference. As a $2 + billion-asset credit union, we are deeply committed to our members’ financial wellbeing and the prosperity and quality of life in the communities we serve. We are proud to be led by individuals with the experience and skills to drive our organization towards our goals for strategic growth and operational excellence. Our KCU Cares Foundation program focuses on providing resources and support for those struggling with homelessness or hunger and improving the financial well-being of the people in our communities. And beyond monetary efforts, we have provided thousands of hours in staff volunteerism and in-kind support. At Kitsap Credit Union, our success is built on trust-based relationships and personalized service. We understand our employees are key to our success. They provide the personalized service to our members and contribute to the communities where we live. We are committed to providing a supportive, mission-driven, and inclusive culture where employees can grow their careers. To learn more, visit kitsapcu.org. About the Role Kitsap Credit Union is in search of a Real Estate Lending Operations Manager. The Real Estate Lending Operations Manager is accountable for regulatory compliance, vendor oversight, and operational leadership of real estate lending funding functions. This role ensures full compliance with all federal, state, and industry regulations governing mortgage and real estate lending; manages third-party vendor relationships supporting mortgage and real estate lending products; and leads a team of funding processors to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant loan funding. The position drives operational excellence through effective people leadership, performance management, process optimization, and risk mitigation while supporting a high-quality member experience. Quick Facts Reports to: VP, Consumer Lending Employment Type: Exempt, Hybrid, Salary, Full-time Salary Range: $81,170.08 - $97,795.20 depending on experience Bonus Target: 8% potential incentive of base pay Grade: 11BC Industry: Banking Principal Accountabilities Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Serves as the primary owner for compliance with all federal, state, and industry regulations governing mortgage and real estate lending, including HMDA, SAFE Act, TRID, RESPA, GSE, and MERS requirements. Oversees HMDA data integrity, monitoring, reporting, and annual submission. Performs and oversees pre- and post-closing quality reviews, exception tracking, audits, and remediation to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. Acts as the SAFE Act Officer and manages NMLS onboarding and renewals for designated employees. Vendor & Third-Party Relationship Management Manages and oversees all third-party vendor relationships supporting mortgage and real estate lending operations, including origination, funding, compliance, and servicing support vendors. Ensures vendor performance, compliance, service levels, and contractual obligations align with regulatory requirements and Credit Union standards. Reviews third-party documentation (including collateral valuations and title reports) to ensure regulatory and Credit Union requirements are met and determines when additional due diligence is required. People Leadership & Funding Operations Leads, coaches, and develops a team of real estate lending funding processors, ensuring performance, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met. Establishes, monitors, and manages production metrics, turnaround times, and quality standards in a compliant manner. Oversees funding operations for Home Equity and HELOC loans, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution across all stages of the lending lifecycle. Collaborates with underwriting and centralized funding teams to streamline workflows and improve efficiency and member experience. Required Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold teams accountable in a highly regulated lending environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong understanding of underwriting and lending operations. Ability to work independently. Ability to make decisions and propose recommendations to mitigate or reduce risk. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software. Deep understanding of lending regulations, policies, and procedures. Deep understanding of HMDA audits. Knowledge of first and second mortgage real estate lending practices including federal regulatory requirements, state regulations, agency, and Credit Union requirements. Understand, model, and represent KCU’s core values. Qualifications and Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree in business or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. At least 5 years of experience processing loans, loan documentation, underwriting or other lending experience. At least 2 years of people leadership experience. Must be registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) within 30 days of hire and comply with the SAFE Act regulations. Supervisory Status This position supervises others. Working Conditions This position will be required to work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, and, with or without reasonable accommodation is required: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a minimum of 75% of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machines. The person in this position frequently communicates with peers, supervisors, vendors and employees to exchange accurate information and answer questions. Works in an indoor office environment but expected to attend meetings in buildings that require travel in outdoor weather conditions. Please note: Kitsap Credit Union does not offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Our Values Integrity: We believe in acting with honesty, trust, and respect which are at the forefront of our daily engagement. Responsibility: We believe that responsibility is holding ourselves accountable for our decisions, actions, and their outcomes. Collaboration: We believe in the power of a diverse group of people working together to achieve a united outcome. Authenticity: We believe activities in actions that demonstrate our commitment to be transparent, dependable, and genuine in every day. What We Offer Not only are we one of the largest credit unions in Washington State, and growing, but we are also a company that cares about its employees. We back that up for our employees by offering competitive pay and a benefits package that helps support you and your family’s lifestyle. We value our employees, and we strive to keep our benefits comprehensive and affordable. Some of our benefits include: Careers | Kitsap Credit Union (kitsapcu.org) Free onsite parking Annual time off and sick time accrued 11 paid holidays 1 Personal Floating Day Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-term Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance Employee Assistance Program Choose from a PPO medical plan or a High Deductible with a Health Savings Account 3% KCU funded Safe Harbor Contribution to your 401K KCU will match up to 2% of your 401K contributions All 401K contributions are 100% vested Potential annual incentive in all roles within Kitsap Credit Union Tuition reimbursement 8 hours of paid volunteer time off Discounts on KCU's products and services Enjoy unlimited ORCA transit access through KCU for less than $45 a year—your cost as an employee We believe in the power of belonging – it’s in our DNA as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative. Our un-bank-like structure ensures that we remain all about people: our members, our employees, and the people in the communities where we live and work. We work hard to provide a collaborative and inclusive environment where you can grow and excel in your career. We are dedicated to serving our members by providing personalized experiences, convenient access, and highly competitive products and services. But it goes much deeper than that. For more than 86 years, we have been relentless about making a positive difference in our communities. We understand that when our members and communities succeed, we all succeed, and that success can’t happen without great employees. • ***** Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background check. Kitsap Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to sex, marital status, race, color, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. ****** #LDR 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.