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Underwriting Team Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing ...

This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing ...

This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing ...

This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing ...

The Underwriting Manager is responsible for delivering leadership and direction to several teams of Underwriters, Underwriting Team Leads and Quality Control professionals responsible for providing ...

Leading the local underwriting team requires reviewing and analyzing underwriting submissions, analyze exposures including coverage structure and rate, authorizing quotes/binders, respond to referral ...

Underwriting Team Lead

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Serves as an intermediary between the agent and the insurance company while effectively providing leadership to a team of underwriters and brokers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Following is ...

Underwriting Team Lead

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Serves as an intermediary between the agent and the insurance company while effectively providing leadership to a team of underwriters and brokers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Following is ...

Underwriting Team Lead

Bothell, WA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Serves as an intermediary between the agent and the insurance company while effectively providing leadership to a team of underwriters and brokers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Following is ...

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Underwriting Team Leader information

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$10

$25

$72

How much do underwriting team leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for underwriting team leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underwriting Team Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwriting Team Leader, you need in-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, risk assessment expertise, and prior experience in insurance or finance, often supported by a degree and relevant certifications such as ACII or CPCU. Familiarity with underwriting software, policy management systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart by fostering team effectiveness and client relationships. These competencies ensure accurate risk evaluation, compliance, and team performance in a dynamic insurance environment.

How much does a lead underwriter make?

A lead underwriter typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee underwriting teams, analyze risk, and use specialized software to evaluate insurance or loan applications.

What is the difference between Underwriting Team Leader vs Underwriter?

AspectUnderwriting Team LeaderUnderwriter
CredentialsTypically requires relevant underwriting certifications and leadership experienceRequires underwriting licenses or certifications specific to the industry
Work EnvironmentLeads a team within an insurance or financial company, overseeing underwriting processesIndividually assesses risks and makes underwriting decisions
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly found in insurance, banking, and financial servicesFound across insurance, banking, and risk management sectors

The main difference is that the Underwriting Team Leader manages and guides a team of underwriters, focusing on leadership and coordination, while the Underwriter primarily evaluates individual risks and makes underwriting decisions. Both roles require relevant certifications and industry experience, but the Team Leader has additional responsibilities in team management and strategic oversight.

What is an Underwriting Team Leader?

An Underwriting Team Leader is a professional who manages and oversees a team of underwriters in an insurance or financial organization. They are responsible for supervising daily operations, ensuring that underwriting guidelines and procedures are followed, and helping their team assess risk and make sound decisions on applications. Additionally, they provide training, support, and performance feedback to their team members, and serve as a liaison between their team and upper management. Their role is essential for maintaining efficiency and accuracy in the underwriting process, which directly impacts the organization's risk management and profitability.

Is underwriting a high stress job?

Underwriting team leaders often work in a high-pressure environment due to the responsibility of assessing risk and making critical decisions that impact the company's financial health. The role can involve tight deadlines, detailed analysis, and the need for accuracy, which can contribute to elevated stress levels, especially during busy periods or when managing complex cases.

What is an underwriting team lead?

An underwriting team lead is a professional responsible for overseeing a team of underwriters who evaluate insurance applications to determine risk and coverage. They coordinate workflow, ensure compliance with company policies, and often use underwriting software to make informed decisions. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

How does an Underwriting Team Leader typically support team development and performance improvement?

An Underwriting Team Leader plays a crucial role in fostering professional growth and maintaining high performance within the team. They provide ongoing coaching, conduct regular performance reviews, and organize training sessions to ensure team members stay updated on industry standards and company guidelines. Additionally, they help resolve complex underwriting cases, encourage collaboration, and implement best practices to streamline workflows. This supportive approach not only boosts team morale but also enhances the accuracy and efficiency of underwriting operations.

Will AI replace underwriting?

AI is increasingly used in underwriting to automate data analysis and risk assessment, improving efficiency and accuracy. However, underwriting team leaders and professionals are still essential for interpreting complex cases, making judgment calls, and overseeing AI systems to ensure fair and compliant decisions.
More about Underwriting Team Leader jobs
Infographic showing various Underwriting Team Leader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Underwriting Team Manager

Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.

San Diego, CA โ€ข Remote

$125K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Founded in 2000, Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is a privately owned, full-service national lender, offering Wholesale, Correspondent, Renovation and Reverse residential mortgages. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Plaza employs a network of sales associates to serve its clients nationwide.
Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.

Responsible for managing the underwriting process and providing leadership and support for their team. Serves as resource to the National Wholesale Division for underwriting and credit policy questions. Accountable for analyzing and evaluating consumer home loan applications and supporting documentation to assess Borrowers' credit worthiness. Types of consumer loan applications include Conventional Conforming and Non-Conforming loan amounts, FHA, VA and USDA residential first mortgages. Recommends approval or denial of credit applications and provides written and verbal decisions and documentation to support the lending decision.

Job Duties:

  • Work directly with Junior and Senior Underwriters by providing training and daily support
  • Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of Underwriters
  • Motivate and coach underwriting department in achieving National Wholesale Division goals
  • Monitor reports for the purpose of identifying positive and negative trends in productivity within the underwriting department
  • Oversee pipeline to ensure loans are approved and then cleared-to-close within the expected turn-times
  • Manage the underwriting team and substantiate they adhere to all Plaza’s Policy & Procedures, and that loans are processed in compliance with all underwriting guidelines
  • Engage in verbal and written communication with clients and Sales Team
  • Effectively communicate to the underwriting department about company changes to policy and procedures
  • Provide guidance to Underwriting Team Leads regarding how to effectively manage their teams(if applicable)
  • Knowledge of FNMA, and FMLMC documentation and general guidelines/standards essential. Additionally, experience with FHA, VA and USDA required
  • Ability to act as FHA DE and/or VA Automatic and SAR Underwriter
  • May be asked to second sign loan decisions for lower-level authority underwriters.
  • Act as underwriting resource for the National Wholesale Division
  • Assist in resolving National Wholesale Division post-closing suspense issues
  • Evaluate and analyze complex income tax returns to establish qualifying income
  • Participate in developing process improvements and efficiencies as an ongoing best practice
  • Conduct periodic loan-level audits to ensure compliance with all company quality standards
  • Assess and evaluate underwriter scorecard for efficiency gains; guide team members when required
  • Coach underwriting team on their job performance and complete annual performance reviews by their due date
  • Lead, guide, mentor, and train entire underwriting team
  • Work with AVP, Regional Underwriting Manager on setting monthly goals
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with (AUS) automated underwriting systems
  • Working knowledge of loan program products and services, and policies essential
  • Demonstrated skill in monitoring and overseeing loan production pipeline
  • Ability to understand and make recommended changes to standard operating procedures
  • Thorough grasp of state and federal regulations is required as well as a solid understanding of: HMDA, Regulation Z, Regulation B; working knowledge of the FHLMC, FNMA guidelines; based on lending authority, working knowledge of FHA, VA and USDA
  • Experience with Loan Origination Systems (LOS) such as Calyx Point, Ellie Mae, Integra and, Encompass
  • Knowledge of paperless file environment and image software repository
  • Proficiency with computer systems including MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Internet Browsers, and email functions required
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Superior customer service skills
  • Ability to efficiently and consistently produce accurate work
  • Solid organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Capability of multi-tasking in fast-paced environment with heavy volume of transactions
  • Proven aptitude to work in both a team and individual environment
  • Sound judgment skills essential to make quick decisions within written policy and standard operating procedures
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; College degree preferred
  • Previous team lead, supervisory, or commensurate experience desired
  • Current Underwriting experience in the mortgage industry is a must

Work Environment: This is a remote position Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT

Compensation and Benefits:

Estimated Rate of Pay:

$125,000 annually
This position is full-time; exempt.
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

In addition, Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness insurance, and Flexible spending accounts along with a variety of discounted services.

Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment.
Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce.
Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.
This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113
Please find our updated Privacy Policy at:
https://www.plazahomemortgage.com/privacypolicy/
Cigna’s Transparency in Coverage link for Plaza’s careers site.
https://www.cigna.com/legal/compliance/machine-readable-files
Plaza NMLS 2113
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/