Non-QM Mortgage Underwriter Manager — Lead & Elevate

Cake Mortgage Corp; West Chatsworth (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Career growth

Collaborative culture

Innovation opportunities

Job summary

CAKE Mortgage is seeking an experienced Mortgage Underwriter, Manager to lead our underwriting team and drive quality and efficiency for Non-QM products. The ideal candidate will mentor underwriters, enforce guidelines, and partner with sales, processing, funding, QC and compliance to optimize the loan process.

With deep knowledge of Non-QM programs, you will oversee complex files, ensure audit-ready documentation, and stay ahead of regulatory changes affecting the lending landscape.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of mortgage underwriting experience.
• 2+ years in a leadership or managerial role.
• 3+ years direct Non-QM experience.
• Proficient in analyzing income sources (bank statements, P&L, asset depletion, DSCR).
• Strong understanding of mortgage credit risk, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of LOS system, Encompass.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage remote teams and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of mortgage underwriters, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the underwriting process to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company, investor, and regulatory guidelines.
• Review and approve complex or high-risk loan files, including income documentation, creditworthiness, asset verification, and property valuations.
• Monitor pipeline reports, workflow, and SLAs to ensure timely turn times and service levels are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with internal departments (sales, processing, funding, QC, and compliance) to resolve issues and improve loan quality.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for Non-QM products, including bank statement loans, asset depletion, DSCR, and other alternative documentation loans.
• Ensure all underwriting decisions are well-documented and meet internal audit and investor standards.
• Conduct regular file audits and quality reviews to maintain compliance and reduce repurchase risk.
• Identify training needs and coordinate with training departments to implement necessary upskilling for the underwriting team.
• Stay updated on industry trends, guideline changes, and regulatory developments affecting Non-QM lending.

Skills

Mortgage underwriting

Leadership

Non-QM knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Encompass

Job description

CAKE Mortgage is seeking an experienced Mortgage Underwriter, Manager to lead our underwriting team and drive quality and efficiency for Non-QM products. The ideal candidate will mentor underwriters, enforce guidelines, and partner with sales, processing, funding, QC and compliance to optimize the loan process.

With deep knowledge of Non-QM programs, you will oversee complex files, ensure audit-ready documentation, and stay ahead of regulatory changes affecting the lending landscape.