Mortgage Operations Manager - In Office / Paramus, NJ or Houston, TX

Job Description

WHY THIS ROLE

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. As Longbridge Financial launches its HELOC business line, you won't be stepping into someone else's system — you'll be designing it. From day one, you'll shape the team structure, the processes, the controls, and the culture of an entirely new department.

If you've spent years mastering HELOC operations within an established organization and are ready to apply that expertise as a founder-level operator, this role was built for you. You'll have the backing of an experienced leadership team and the autonomy to do it right.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The HELOC Operations Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for building and running Longbridge's Home Equity Line of Credit operations from inception through growth. In the early stage, you'll personally perform loan intake, processing, and operational functions while simultaneously designing the scalable infrastructure needed to support expansion.

As volume grows, you'll hire, train, and develop your team — progressively transitioning from direct production to full operational oversight. You will own the end-to-end performance of the HELOC business: efficiency, quality, compliance, risk, vendor management, and people development.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Build the Foundation

• Design and build the HELOC operations department from the ground up, performing line-level functions during the startup phase
• Develop policies, procedures, and controls — including testing for regulatory compliance
• Create capacity plans, job descriptions, and training materials aligned to projected growth and volume
• Identify and implement process automation opportunities, including AI-assisted tools

Lead Daily Operations

• Manage and perform loan intake and processing, including gathering documentation, clearing conditions, and preparing closing packages
• Monitor pipeline quality, manage risk appropriately, and drive toward monthly production goals
• Lead vendor relationships for underwriting, flood, appraisal, title, and other HELOC services
• Partner with Retail, Wholesale, and Sales teams on product, process, and competitive positioning

Grow and Develop a Team

• Hire and onboard staff as volume warrants; coach, mentor, and develop direct reports
• Set performance expectations, conduct appraisals, and provide recommendations for advancement or corrective action
• Build a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement

 

Qualifications

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in HELOC or home equity lending operations, with a deep understanding of both the loan lifecycle and operational management
• Proven track record hiring, managing, and developing teams — in-person or remotely
• Experience at an Independent Mortgage Banker (IMB) strongly preferred
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity and building structure where none exists
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with AI/automation tools is a plus
• Familiarity with MeridianLink LOS is a plus, though equivalent LOS experience is equally valued
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into operational policy
• Working knowledge of Fair Lending, HMDA, RESPA, CFPB, Bank Secrecy Act, and related compliance requirements

 

 

Additional Information

 

• Working in a growing and dynamic industry
• Full benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, and wide array of voluntary products and discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• This is an exempt role
• Target base salary range is 125 - 150K, which is based on various factors including skills and work experience. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a competitive additional compensation program via annual bonus that is based on individual performance.
• LBF is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer
• Please note that salaries that are estimated on various job sites may not reflect the actual compensation. Job sites, set the estimated salary, not Longbridge Financial.

 

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