Sr. Manager of Mortgage Lending Underwriting

About the Company

Valon’s mission is to empower every homeowner. We believe the journey of home ownership starts when you get your keys, but lasts far beyond. We’re creating a world where home ownership comes with ease, security, and financial know-how. Our growing team of engineers, operators, product enthusiasts, and experienced servicing professionals are leveraging technology to fundamentally improve the homeownership experience. Through mortgage servicing—the process of paying off one’s mortgage—Valon is taking the first step in transforming the industry one homeowner, and lender, at a time.

 Lending at Valon 

Valon is currently scaling up its mortgage lending business, which aims to provide Valon homeowners the ability to access low cost and streamlined mortgage loans and Valon partners tools to retain customers. As a member of the Lending team, you will be directly involved in making it faster, easier, and cheaper for homeowners to get loans by reinventing the homeowners journey. We are looking for experienced and innovative individuals who are eager to transform the mortgage industry for the better to help build our team and business.

About this Role

The Sr. Manager of Mortgage Lending Underwriting will lead Valon Lending’s underwriting function, driving operational excellence, compliance, and innovation. This role will oversee all underwriting personnel, set the standard for quality and efficiency, and work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and sales to ensure an exceptional borrower experience. Reporting directly to the Director of Lending Operations, this leader will play a critical role in scaling our Consumer Direct mortgage business by building a best-in-class underwriting operation that blends technology with human expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the underwriting team, fostering a high-performance, customer-centric culture


• Oversee all underwriting operations for Consumer Direct mortgage products, ensuring alignment with agency, investor, and regulatory guidelines


• Develop, implement, and continuously refine underwriting policies, procedures, and workflows


• Partner with Product and Engineering to identify automation and efficiency opportunities within the underwriting process


• Establish and track OKRs, KPIs, and performance metrics to measure success and drive continuous improvement


• Engage with loan investors, agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure compliance and operational readiness


• Lead all training and professional development initiatives for underwriting staff


• Collaborate with sales and processing teams to expedite loan decisions while maintaining rigorous quality standards

Ideal Background

• 10+ years of mortgage industry experience with at least 5 years managing underwriting teams


• Experience in Consumer Direct lending environments strongly preferred


• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field—or equivalent experience FHA, DE, approved (preferred) or eligible


• Strong technical acumen with the ability to identify and implement process automation opportunities


• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments


• Familiarity with statistical and data-driven decision-making

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep understanding of mortgage underwriting processes, mortgage regulations, and investor requirements (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA)


• Expert knowledge of industry-standard underwriting systems, including Desktop Underwriter (DU) & Loan Product Advisor (LP/LPA)


• Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technical and operational teams


• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality


• High integrity and strong ethical standards


• Availability for regular in-person collaboration and team engagement


• Minimum education requirement: High school diploma or GED equivalent required

What We Can Offer

• Compensation: competitive salary and 401 (k) plan 


• Health & well-being: we’ll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits


• Food & meals: in-office snacks and drinks, and a $400 monthly stipend towards your lunches or groceries 


• Commuter benefits: We offer pre-tax deductions for public transportation, rideshare services, and parking expenses to make your commute more affordable and convenient.


• Grow together: Company-wide orientation for you to successfully onboard and other learning & development opportunities, including regular review cycles that feature 360 degree feedback


• Generous time off: flexible paid time off, sick days, and 11 company holidays 


• Baby bonding time!: 12 weeks off for both birthing and non-birthing parents - fully paid so you can focus your energy on your newest addition