Credit Manager

Reports To: Director of Credit Risk Management

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Credit Manager is responsible for leading the credit underwriting function within a fast-paced, technology-driven lending environment. This role oversees the daily loan approval operations and strategic direction of the underwriting team, ensuring consistent, compliant, and data-informed credit decisions that align with company risk tolerance and growth objectives. The Credit Manager drives performance through coaching, policy execution, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product, Compliance, Operations, and Risk. Ideal candidates are experienced leaders with a deep understanding of consumer credit underwriting, process optimization and loan approval automation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead, manage, and develop a team of credit underwriters across all levels.
  • Oversee the review and decisioning of loan applications, ensuring sound credit judgment, accuracy, and adherence to policies.
  • Review and provide exception approval within company exceptions and high-dollar approval policies.
  • Monitor underwriting queue and use prior-reports to maintain quality standards to ensure staff schedules achieve or surpass call-center SLA and underwriting quality assurance standards.
  • Conduct regular audits and file reviews to ensure consistency, regulatory compliance, and risk integrity.
  • Act as the primary subject matter expert for daily underwriting as part of ongoing monitoring and updates for company credit policies, underwriting guidelines, and risk models.
  • Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams to enhance underwriting tools, automation logic, and workflow systems.
  • Manage hiring, onboarding, training, and career development for the underwriting team.
  • Identify enhancements to improve the underwriting training and on-boarding process.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex credit decisions, exceptions, and edge cases.
  • Analyze underwriting data to identify trends, improve performance, and recommend portfolio risk adjustments
  • Ensure team adherence to state and federal lending regulations, including ECOA, FCRA, and UDAAP.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree or MBA in finance, business, or related field.
  • 10 years of direct experience in credit underwriting or credit risk management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong knowledge of consumer or commercial lending practices, risk analysis, and regulatory compliance.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Experience working in or with technology-enabled loan platforms
  • Proven ability to lead and scale teams while maintaining performance standards and risk discipline.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Familiarity with data and credit analytics tools a plus.

APPLY TO WORK AT WATERCRESS FINANCIAL

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    What does the hiring process look like after submitting a resume?

    1. If you see a position that you feel aligns with your skillset, apply! Our HR team will review your resume and determine if your background is what we are looking for. Talented candidates will be contacted to do a phone screen.
    2. Candidates that are selected will be asked to do an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager. A second interview with additional managers or members of the executive team may be necessary depending on the position.
    3. The hiring manager will then select a candidate to receive an offer for the position!
    4. Once an offer letter has been signed, all positions will be asked to complete a background and credit check to be completed prior to hire.
    5. It’s time to start your new position at Watercress Financial!