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Direct Lending Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

loanDepot

Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS Required)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Our direct lending channel, comprised of both seasoned mortgage veterans & our own home-grown Lending Officers, receive daily warm transfers from our call center agents to recommend loan solutions in ...

loanDepot

CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Our direct lending channel, comprised of both seasoned mortgage veterans & our own home-grown Lending Officers, receive daily warm transfers from our call center agents to recommend loan solutions in ...

loanDepot

Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS Required)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Our direct lending channel, comprised of both seasoned mortgage veterans & our own home-grown Lending Officers, receive daily warm transfers from our call center agents to recommend loan solutions in ...

loanDepot

Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS Required)

Tustin, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Our direct lending channel, comprised of both seasoned mortgage veterans & our own home-grown Lending Officers, receive daily warm transfers from our call center agents to recommend loan solutions in ...

loanDepot

Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS Required)

Orange, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Our direct lending channel, comprised of both seasoned mortgage veterans & our own home-grown Lending Officers, receive daily warm transfers from our call center agents to recommend loan solutions in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Lending JobsDirect Lending Jobs in California

Direct Lending information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$82.9K

$137.7K

How much do direct lending jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for direct lending in California is $82,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is direct lending?

A Direct Lending job involves evaluating, originating, and managing loans provided directly to businesses or individuals without intermediaries like banks. Professionals in this field assess credit risk, structure loan terms, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Roles can vary from credit analysis to portfolio management, focusing on providing customized financing solutions. Strong analytical skills, financial modeling, and an understanding of market trends are essential for success in this field.

What does a direct lending professional do?

A typical day in Direct Lending involves conducting due diligence on potential borrowers, analyzing financial statements, structuring loan terms, and preparing credit memos for approval. Team members often collaborate closely with credit committees, relationship managers, and legal specialists to ensure seamless deal processing and compliance with internal policies. Regular communication with clients is also a key aspect, as it helps address borrower inquiries and manage ongoing relationships. While the workflow can be dynamic, strong organization and prioritization skills help professionals stay on top of multiple concurrent transactions.

What skills and qualifications are needed for direct lending?

To thrive in Direct Lending, you need a solid understanding of credit analysis, financial structuring, and underwriting, often supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with loan origination systems, financial modeling software, and regulatory compliance requirements is typically expected. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and effective negotiation abilities are crucial for building client relationships and managing transactions. These competencies ensure accurate risk assessment, efficient deal execution, and successful portfolio management in a competitive lending environment.

How to get a job in direct lending?

To get a job in direct lending, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Relevant experience in banking, credit analysis, or financial services can improve chances, and certifications like the CFA or credit-specific training may be beneficial. Applying through financial institutions, networking, and demonstrating knowledge of lending processes are key steps.

What do direct lenders do?

Direct lenders provide loans directly to borrowers without intermediaries, often offering personal, business, or mortgage loans. They evaluate applicants' creditworthiness, set loan terms, and handle the approval process, typically using financial analysis and underwriting skills.

What cities in California are hiring for Direct Lending jobs?

Cities in California with the most Direct Lending job openings:

Direct Lending jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Lending job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,935 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Assistant Lending Manager

Wheelhouse Credit Union

San Diego, CA • On-site

$74K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Summary:
The Assistant Lending Manager is responsible for efficiently supervising the daily operations of the Lending Department, focusing on the direct management of the Loan Representatives, evaluating loan applications, developing loan procedures, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the Assistant Lending Manager will assume the responsibilities of the AVP of Lending during their absence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Supervise and ensure on-going training and coaching of the Lending staff. Conduct performance reviews, recommend salary adjustments, and counsel staff toward optimum performance.
  2. Within established guidelines and procedures, perform work requiring the use of judgment and discretion in making credit decisions for consumer (direct/indirect) and real estate loans.
  3. Review loan applications, act upon the more complex loans, including recommendations from loan officers and provide appropriate notification.
  4. Monitor all loan queues, assign loans to the proper personnel, and monitor production reports to ensure Service Level Agreements are realized. Inform management of any anomalies.
  5. Prepare loan packages for submission to the Loan Committee or Board of Directors. Loan packages are to include supporting documentation, recommendations, conditions, etc.
  6. Maintain Lending employee shadowing schedule and monitor the processes to ensure they are providing value.
  7. Provide recommendations, written or verbal, to the AVP of Lending and/or the Credit Manager regarding credit applications outside individual underwriting authority.
  8. Assist personnel in facilitating the closing and disbursement of loans ensuring that guidelines and stipulations are met.
  9. Update department resources to remain current with lending processes and procedures.
  10. Participate in the research, recommendation, and implementation of any new or existing lending products/programs to increase profitability or efficiency.
  11. Collaborate with AVP and CLO to achieve strategic goals related to Lending.
  12. Assist in process improvement initiatives.
  13. Complete projects and reports as requested by management.
  14. Responsible for the review and possible resolution of problems occurring on loans.
  15. Oversee research of loan issues, reconciling of general ledgers and loan servicing.
  16. Assist with the development of the department's annual budget. Mange expenses to the approved budget.
  17. Responsible for reporting to all regulatory agencies (i.e., HMDA, FHLB, etc.). Upon request, prepare reports and documentation in preparation for examinations and audits.
  18. Register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). Will be required to undergo a background check. Registration with the NMLS to be maintained on an annual basis.
  19. Assume the responsibilities of the AVP of Lending during their absence.

20. All other duties assigned.
Requirements
  1. Associate's degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of supervisory experience in a financial institution. A high school diploma with minimum of three years equivalent work experience in a financial institution will be considered in lieu of secondary education experience.
  2. Three to five years of loan underwriting experience along with strong knowledge of loan policies, procedures and credit granting practices.
  3. Must possess excellent analytical and decision-making skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a deep understanding of the lending industry.
  4. Excellent collaborative skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships are essential.
  5. Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations as they pertain to real estate and consumer lending.
  6. Must have strong organizational skills & ability to handle multiple tasks & deadlines.
  7. Proficiency with 10-key, calculator, on-line data processing system and personal computers.
  8. Strong working ability and understanding of Microsoft Office products.
  9. Knowledge and understanding of the mission and vision of the Credit Union. Strictly adhere to the Credit Union's policy of confidentiality, security, professional conduct and dress.

Salary Description
$74,522 - $89,151

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