Underwriting Manager (Mortgage Lending)

CAKE Mortgage is a cutting-edge wholesale mortgage lender specializing in Non-QM products. We're redefining the lending experience with innovative programs, streamlined processes, and a commitment to speed and precision. As we grow, we're looking for forward-thinking professionals who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments.

The Underwriting Manager is responsible for leading the mortgage underwriting team, overseeing daily underwriting operations, ensuring compliance with company and investor guidelines, mentoring underwriters, and driving continuous improvement in underwriting quality and efficiency. This role requires deep knowledge of Non-QM products, strong analytical skills, and proven leadership experience. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of underwriters to ensure strong performance and professional growth.  
• Set clear goals, monitor productivity, and conduct performance evaluations.  
• Provide training on underwriting guidelines, risk assessment, and regulatory updates.  
• Foster a collaborative, high-accountability team culture.  
• Ensure the team follows internal underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.  
• Conduct audits of underwriting files to maintain accuracy and consistency.  
• Manage underwriting pipeline activity and monitor service-level expectations.  
• Review and approve timecards and address HR-related team issues as appropriate.  
• Handle escalations from team members and sales.  
• Monitor and review exceptions within SLAs.  
• Monitor and review pre-closing and post-closing quality defects and provide coaching as needed.  
• Conduct second reviews and provide coaching and training for new hires.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field preferred, but not required. Relevant mortgage industry experience in lieu of degree. 
• Proficiency with Encompass required.
• Minimum 7 years of mortgage underwriting experience.
• 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role overseeing underwriters.
• Proficient in analyzing income sources, including bank statements, P&L, asset depletion, DSCR, and related documentation.
• Scenario Desk
• Working knowledge of LOS systems, including Encompass.  
• Deep knowledge of Non-QM mortgage products and underwriting practices.  
• Strong understanding of mortgage credit risk, fraud detection, regulatory compliance, company guidelines, and investor requirements.  
• Ability to analyze complex borrower income sources and supporting documentation.
• Strong leadership, coaching, training, and team performance management skills.  
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.  
• Ability to manage remote teams and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Why Join CAKE Mortgage?

• We offer competitive compensation with growth opportunities
• You'll be trained by some of the top producers in the Non-QM space
• Be part of a culture that values innovation, hustle, and impact
• Advancement potential into a full Account Executive role with broker portfolio ownership

Cake Mortgage does not tolerate discrimination of any type. Cake Mortgage offers equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, or any other considerations made unlawful by Federal, State, or Local law. Cake Mortgage provides eligible and qualified employees with opportunities to advance. Cake Mortgage is an at will employer. Cake Mortgage is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.