Associate Manager - Quality (Underwriting)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Associate Manager Quality with strong experience in mortgage or loan underwriting processes. The role is responsible for driving quality assurance, process compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance across underwriting operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the quality assurance function for the underwriting team and ensure adherence to internal and client-defined quality standards.
• Conduct in-depth audits of underwriting files, assessing accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Perform root cause analysis of quality defects and drive corrective/preventive action plans.
• Develop and implement quality review frameworks, SOPs, and audit tools specific to underwriting.
• Analyze trends in quality metrics and provide strategic inputs to improve processes and training needs.
• Collaborate with operations, training, and compliance teams to identify performance gaps and design interventions.
• Mentor and coach quality analysts to ensure consistent application of guidelines and audit accuracy.
• Prepare and present quality dashboards, RCA reports, and governance decks for internal and client review.
• Support process improvement and Six Sigma/Lean initiatives to reduce errors and increase efficiency.
• Ensure all underwriting quality audits are documented, tracked, and reported as per timelines.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of mortgage/loan underwriting guidelines (e.g., FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA) or equivalent regional standards.
• Proficient in quality tools like RCA, Pareto, 5 Whys, and QC checklists.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to drive process improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Exposure to audit software, workflow systems, and MS Excel/PowerPoint for reporting.

Qualifications:

• Graduate in Commerce, Finance, or related field. Postgraduate preferred.
• Minimum 57 years of experience in quality assurance, with at least 23 years in an underwriting quality role.
• Certifications like Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) are an added advantage.