Centralized Lending Underwriting Manager

Kitsap Credit Union • Bremerton, WA

13d • $91,537 - $110,285 • Hybrid

About The Position

Kitsap Credit Union is in search of a Centralized Lending Underwriting Manager.
The Centralized Lending Underwriting Manager is responsible for leading and
managing the unified Centralized Consumer Lending Underwriting team. This role
ensures consistent application of underwriting philosophy across all consumer
loan products, supports career development within the team, and maintains high
standards of loan decision quality and operational efficiency. The Manager will
report directly to the VP of Consumer Lending and play a key role in the
implementation and execution of Underwriting goals and targets within the
Lending Division.

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead and develop underwriting teams across multiple consumer loan products.
• Strong understanding of underwriting principles for indirect auto, consumer auto, personal loans, credit cards, home equity loans, HELOCs, and small business loans.
• Expertise in managing complex loan escalations and making sound credit decisions under pressure.
• Skilled in coaching underwriters and assessing decision quality across diverse lending channels.
• Ability to apply and enforce consistent underwriting philosophy and risk strategy across digital, branch, and contact center channels.
• Experience in performance evaluation, tier structuring, and equitable compensation planning.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems and data analysis tools to monitor team performance and loan quality.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills with internal teams, dealers, and vendors.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to contribute to strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Demonstrates a high level of engagement and active collaboration contributing to a positive team environment.
• Understand, model, and represent KCU’s core values.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in consumer loan underwriting, including indirect lending.
• At least 2 years of leadership or management experience in an underwriting or credit decisioning environment.
• At least 2 years of experience working with automated decisioning tools (e.g., Zest AI) and data-driven underwriting strategies.
• Strong working knowledge of consumer loan products, underwriting systems, and regulatory compliance (e.g., ECOA, FCRA, TILA).
• Demonstrated ability to manage escalations and make sound credit decisions under pressure.
• NMLS registration or eligibility.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience with centralized underwriting models and cross-functional team leadership.
• Familiarity with loan origination systems such as MeridianLink or Origence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Centralized Consumer Lending Underwriting Team, including Underwriter I, II, III, and Sr. roles.
• Underwrite and handle escalations for all consumer loan products including indirect auto, consumer home equity and HELOC, consumer auto, personal loan, credit card, small business loans, and miscellaneous consumer loans.
• Assess and coach underwriters on the quality of underwriting decisions across all consumer loan products.
• Manage complex underwriting escalations from internal lending teams, dealers, and vendors submitting loan applications.
• Ensure consistent application of underwriting philosophy and risk strategy across all channels including digital, branch, and contact center.
• Support cross-training initiatives to ensure underwriters are proficient across all loan products.
• Collaborate with the VP of Consumer Lending to develop long-term credit strategy and centralized underwriting practices.
• Conduct performance evaluations and determine tier levels for underwriters based on skill, experience, and business impact.
• Coordinate pay band reviews and ensure equitable compensation across the underwriting team.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of underwriting policies and procedures.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED