Senior Credit Underwriter

World Business Lenders, LLC; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

World Business Lenders, LLC is seeking a Senior Credit Underwriter to lead complex underwriting activities in Non-QM mortgage lending. You will act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Lending Officer, oversee underwriting teams, and drive improvements to credit quality and efficiency.

The role requires 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience, deep knowledge of Non-QM products, and the ability to structure viable lending solutions while balancing risk and profitability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in Non-QM residential mortgage lending.
• Proven expertise in credit analysis and risk assessment for complex borrower scenarios.
• Deep knowledge of Non-QM loan products (DSCR, Bank Statement, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, ITIN).

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted advisor to the Chief Lending Officer on complex underwriting decisions.
• Lead underwriting teams, mentor junior underwriters and drive process improvements.
• Analyze trends in denials and contribute to policy or process changes.
• Support automation by documenting underwriting decision logic.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Analytical Mindset

Sound Judgment

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication

Collaboration

Decision Making Under Pressure

Coaching & Mentorship

Integrity & Accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree

Tools

Encompass

Byte

LendingPad

Job description

• At World Business Lenders (WBL), we provide flexible, short-term commercial loans backed by real estate to help small and medium-sized businesses across the United States — particularly those facing difficulties with traditional financing. We're a fast-moving, results-driven organization that takes security seriously as we continue to grow
• This is a Full-Time Independent Contractor role with working hours from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

About World Business Lenders

• At World Business Lenders (WBL), we provide flexible, short-term commercial loans backed by real estate to help small and medium-sized businesses across the United States — particularly those facing difficulties with traditional financing. We're a fast-moving, results-driven organization that takes security seriously as we continue to grow
• This is a Full-Time Independent Contractor role with working hours from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

About the Role

• The Senior Credit Underwriter is responsible for leading complex credit underwriting activities while serving as a trusted advisor to the Chief Lending Officer. This role provides expertise in Non-QM mortgage lending, evaluates complex borrower scenarios, structures credit solutions, and supports sound lending decisions that balance risk and business objectives.
• In addition to underwriting, the role oversees underwriting teams, mentors junior underwriters, drives process improvements, and collaborates cross-functionally to improve credit quality, operational efficiency, and funded loan volume.

What You'll Be Doing (Key Responsibilities)

• Act as the Chief Lending Officer's 'right hand' trusted advisor
• Perform early credit assessments ("shift-left") before processing is complete
• Rework denied loans into approvable structures where possible
• Recommend counteroffers that reduce risk while preserving profitability
• Identify compensating factors to strengthen borderline files
• Consult with Sales on structuring loans before submission
• Participate in daily pipeline review meetings
• Assist in developing underwriting guidelines and SOPs
• Analyze trends in denials and fallout to recommend policy or process changes
• Support automation efforts by documenting underwriting decision logic
• Serve as the subject matter expert for complex borrower scenarios

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in non-QM mortgage lending.

Must-Have Requirements

Please ensure you met all of the following before applying:

• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in Non-QM residential mortgage lending
• Proven expertise in credit analysis, risk assessment, and loan structuring, with the ability to evaluate complex borrower scenarios and develop viable lending solutions
• Strong knowledge of Non-QM loan products, including DSCR, Bank Statement, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, ITIN, and other alternative documentation programs
• Experience interpreting credit policies, underwriting guidelines, and applicable mortgage regulations (e.g., ATR/QM, TRID, RESPA, TILA), with the ability to make sound, consistent credit decisions.

Remote Work Requirements

• Stable, reliable internet connection
• Professional and dedicated remote working setup

Preferred Background / Industry Experience:

• Non QM residential mortgage lending / MCA lending

Key Soft Skills:

• Critical Thinking - Evaluates complex borrower scenarios, weighs risk objectively, and makes sound credit decisions based on facts rather than assumptions
• Analytical Mindset - Identifies trends, assesses layered risk, and connects multiple data points to determine overall creditworthiness
• Sound Judgment - Balances prudent risk management with business objectives, knowing when to approve, restructure, or decline a loan
• Problem Solving - Finds creative, policy-compliant solutions to structure challenging loans instead of defaulting to denial
• Attention to Detail - Thoroughly reviews financials, documentation, and loan files to identify inconsistencies, omissions, or potential risks
• Communication - Clearly explains underwriting decisions, credit rationale, and conditions to Sales, Processing, and leadership
• Collaboration - Partners effectively with Sales, Processing, Valuation, Legal, and Closing to move loans efficiently while maintaining credit quality
• Decision Making Under Pressure - Makes timely, confident decisions in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing accuracy or consistency
• Coaching & Mentorship - Develops junior underwriters by sharing expertise, reinforcing best practices, and promoting consistent credit decisions
• Integrity & Accountability - Demonstrates strong ethical standards, takes ownership of decisions, and consistently applies credit policy with fairness and discipline

Specific Technical Skills Needed:

• Credit Analysis & Risk Assessment - Expertise in evaluating borrower creditworthiness, repayment capacity, collateral, and layered risk.
• Non-QM Underwriting - Deep knowledge of Non-QM products, including DSCR, Bank Statement, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, ITIN, and other alternative documentation programs.
• Income, Asset & Cash Flow Analysis - Ability to analyze tax returns, business financials, bank statements, P&Ls, CPA letters, and asset documentation.
• Collateral & Valuation Review - Experience reviewing appraisals, BPOs, AVMs/IVDs, title reports, LTV/CLTV calculations, and collateral risk.
• Loan Structuring - Ability to restructure marginal loans, evaluate compensating factors, and develop counteroffers that meet credit policy while maximizing approvals.
• Credit Policy & Guideline Interpretation - Strong understanding of internal credit policies, investor overlays, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to consistently apply judgment.
• Regulatory Compliance - Working knowledge of ATR/QM, TRID, RESPA, TILA, Fair Lending, and applicable federal and state lending regulations.
• Financial & Data Analysis - Advanced proficiency in Excel and the ability to analyze underwriting metrics, portfolio trends, and credit performance.
• Exception & Portfolio Management - Experience evaluating policy exceptions, monitoring portfolio credit quality, and supporting quality control and audit reviews.
• Loan Origination Systems (LOS) - Hands‑on experience with Encompass, Byte, LendingPad, or similar LOS platforms, including underwriting workflow and condition management

Benefits