Lending Systems Specialist
Homewise Inc., Santa Fe, NM, United States
Description
Reports to: Senior Director of Lending
Classification: Full Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Position Mission
The Lending Systems Specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality, compliance, and operational efficiency of Homewise’s lending operations. This position leads the implementation and ongoing management of the Meridanlink lending system, oversees quality control and compliance activities, manages lending vendor relationships, and provides critical operational support to the lending team. The Lending Systems Specialist plays a key role in equipping the lending team with the systems, processes, and tools needed to deliver an exceptional and compliant homebuyer experience.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Quality Control & Compliance
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive quality control (QC) program for the lending department, ensuring all loan files meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Conduct regular audits and reviews of loan files, processes, and documentation to identify deficiencies, trends, and areas for improvement.
Monitor federal, state, and local lending regulations (including RESPA, TILA, HMDA, ECOA, and other applicable laws) and ensure Homewise’s lending practices remain in full compliance.
Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and controls, updating them as regulations evolve.
Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including HMDA data, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits, examinations, and compliance reviews related to lending operations.
Provide compliance guidance and training to lending staff to promote a culture of quality and accountability.
Meridian Lending System Implementation & Management
Lead the project management of the implementation of the Meridian lending system, including planning, coordination, testing, staff training, and go-live support.
Serve as the primary internal subject matter expert and administrator for the Meridian system, managing configuration, user access, and system settings.
Collaborate with IT, lending staff, and the Meridian vendor to ensure the system is optimized to support Homewise’s workflows, reporting needs, and compliance requirements.
Develop and maintain system documentation, user guides, and training materials for the Meridian platform.
Identify and troubleshoot system issues, coordinate with the vendor for resolution, and communicate updates to affected staff in a timely manner.
Lead ongoing system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations, managing project timelines and stakeholder communication throughout.
Lending Vendor Relationship Management
Serve as Homewise’s primary point of contact for lending‑related vendors, including software providers, third‑party service providers, and data vendors.
Manage vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance expectations, ensuring vendors deliver consistent, high‑quality service.
Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and elevate issues as needed to ensure accountability and continuity of service.
Evaluate new vendor relationships and tools that could improve the efficiency, compliance, or effectiveness of lending operations.
Coordinate vendor onboarding, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring in alignment with Homewise’s vendor management policies.
Lending Team Support
Provide day‑to‑day operational support to the lending team, serving as a resource for system questions, process guidance, and compliance inquiries.
Develop and deliver training programs for lending staff on systems, compliance requirements, and quality‑control processes.
Collaborate with lending leadership to identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements that increase efficiency and accuracy.
Assist with the development and maintenance of lending department policies, procedures, and job aids.
Generate and analyze reports on lending operations, QC findings, and system performance, presenting insights and recommendations to lending leadership.
Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by lending leadership, contributing expertise in systems, compliance, and operations.
Competencies
Lending compliance expertise. In‑depth knowledge of federal and state mortgage lending regulations, including RESPA, TILA, HMDA, ECOA, and related compliance requirements.
Systems proficiency. Strong ability to learn, administer, and optimize lending software systems; experience with loan origination systems (LOS) required.
Project management. Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex technology implementation projects on time and within scope, managing competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
Analytical and detail‑oriented. Strong analytical skills with a high degree of attention to detail; able to identify patterns, errors, and opportunities for improvement in data and processes.
Vendor management. Experience managing third‑party vendor relationships, contracts, and performance expectations.
Communication skills. Able to clearly communicate complex regulatory and technical information to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Process improvement orientation. Able to evaluate current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and design and implement practical solutions.
Collaboration and team support. Works effectively across departments and with lending staff at all levels; committed to supporting team success.
Adaptability. Adjusts effectively to changing regulations, systems, and organizational priorities. Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving clarity.
High standards. Holds self and others to a high standard of accuracy, professionalism, and compliance.
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum 5–10 years of experience in mortgage lending operations, compliance, or a related role.
Demonstrated experience with loan origination systems; experience with Meridian or similar platforms preferred.
Experience leading or supporting technology implementations or system migrations in a lending environment.
Strong working knowledge of mortgage lending regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts preferred.
Work Schedule
Ability to travel as needed for vendor meetings, training, and system implementation activities.
Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed during system implementation or critical project phases.
Physical Requirements
This is largely a sedentary role, although some lifting of supplies is required.
Must be able to occasionally lift objects up to 20 pounds.
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Reports to: Senior Director of Lending
Classification: Full Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Position Mission
The Lending Systems Specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality, compliance, and operational efficiency of Homewise’s lending operations. This position leads the implementation and ongoing management of the Meridanlink lending system, oversees quality control and compliance activities, manages lending vendor relationships, and provides critical operational support to the lending team. The Lending Systems Specialist plays a key role in equipping the lending team with the systems, processes, and tools needed to deliver an exceptional and compliant homebuyer experience.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Quality Control & Compliance
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive quality control (QC) program for the lending department, ensuring all loan files meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Conduct regular audits and reviews of loan files, processes, and documentation to identify deficiencies, trends, and areas for improvement.
Monitor federal, state, and local lending regulations (including RESPA, TILA, HMDA, ECOA, and other applicable laws) and ensure Homewise’s lending practices remain in full compliance.
Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and controls, updating them as regulations evolve.
Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including HMDA data, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits, examinations, and compliance reviews related to lending operations.
Provide compliance guidance and training to lending staff to promote a culture of quality and accountability.
Meridian Lending System Implementation & Management
Lead the project management of the implementation of the Meridian lending system, including planning, coordination, testing, staff training, and go-live support.
Serve as the primary internal subject matter expert and administrator for the Meridian system, managing configuration, user access, and system settings.
Collaborate with IT, lending staff, and the Meridian vendor to ensure the system is optimized to support Homewise’s workflows, reporting needs, and compliance requirements.
Develop and maintain system documentation, user guides, and training materials for the Meridian platform.
Identify and troubleshoot system issues, coordinate with the vendor for resolution, and communicate updates to affected staff in a timely manner.
Lead ongoing system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations, managing project timelines and stakeholder communication throughout.
Lending Vendor Relationship Management
Serve as Homewise’s primary point of contact for lending‑related vendors, including software providers, third‑party service providers, and data vendors.
Manage vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance expectations, ensuring vendors deliver consistent, high‑quality service.
Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and elevate issues as needed to ensure accountability and continuity of service.
Evaluate new vendor relationships and tools that could improve the efficiency, compliance, or effectiveness of lending operations.
Coordinate vendor onboarding, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring in alignment with Homewise’s vendor management policies.
Lending Team Support
Provide day‑to‑day operational support to the lending team, serving as a resource for system questions, process guidance, and compliance inquiries.
Develop and deliver training programs for lending staff on systems, compliance requirements, and quality‑control processes.
Collaborate with lending leadership to identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements that increase efficiency and accuracy.
Assist with the development and maintenance of lending department policies, procedures, and job aids.
Generate and analyze reports on lending operations, QC findings, and system performance, presenting insights and recommendations to lending leadership.
Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by lending leadership, contributing expertise in systems, compliance, and operations.
Competencies
Lending compliance expertise. In‑depth knowledge of federal and state mortgage lending regulations, including RESPA, TILA, HMDA, ECOA, and related compliance requirements.
Systems proficiency. Strong ability to learn, administer, and optimize lending software systems; experience with loan origination systems (LOS) required.
Project management. Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex technology implementation projects on time and within scope, managing competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
Analytical and detail‑oriented. Strong analytical skills with a high degree of attention to detail; able to identify patterns, errors, and opportunities for improvement in data and processes.
Vendor management. Experience managing third‑party vendor relationships, contracts, and performance expectations.
Communication skills. Able to clearly communicate complex regulatory and technical information to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Process improvement orientation. Able to evaluate current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and design and implement practical solutions.
Collaboration and team support. Works effectively across departments and with lending staff at all levels; committed to supporting team success.
Adaptability. Adjusts effectively to changing regulations, systems, and organizational priorities. Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving clarity.
High standards. Holds self and others to a high standard of accuracy, professionalism, and compliance.
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum 5–10 years of experience in mortgage lending operations, compliance, or a related role.
Demonstrated experience with loan origination systems; experience with Meridian or similar platforms preferred.
Experience leading or supporting technology implementations or system migrations in a lending environment.
Strong working knowledge of mortgage lending regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts preferred.
Work Schedule
Ability to travel as needed for vendor meetings, training, and system implementation activities.
Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed during system implementation or critical project phases.
Physical Requirements
This is largely a sedentary role, although some lifting of supplies is required.
Must be able to occasionally lift objects up to 20 pounds.
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