Lending Operations Specialist

The Lending Operations Specialist is a dynamic, cross-functional role responsible for supporting multiple facets of the Lending Department, including Loan Servicing, Quality Control, and Commercial Loan Processing. This adaptable team member partners daily with Lending management to assess departmental needs and will be assigned to assist the team(s) requiring the most support that day. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a flexible, fast-paced environment and enjoys collaboration across diverse functions within lending operations.

WaFd Bank is proud of the high value that we all place on simply being kind when serving our co-workers and clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Collaborate daily with Lending leadership to determine assignment and support needs.
• Assist with loan servicing functions such as payments, payoffs, escrow maintenance, and customer account updates.
• Conduct quality control reviews on loan files, documentation, and processes to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support Commercial Loan Processing by preparing and reviewing documentation, coordinating closings, and managing file integrity.
• Provide timely and accurate data entry and documentation in core systems and tracking tools.
• Serve as a liaison between departments to promote workflow efficiency and communication.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and provide input to improve processes and service delivery.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive loan, client, and organizational data.
• Assist with internal audits, exams, and reporting as requested.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.
• Ensure that the business needs and objectives are clearly communicated and understood and ensure solutions provided meet the specific requirements related to regulatory and procedural changes.
• Efficiently document integrated, cross-departmental requirements for products, compliance, information and functionality needs.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of Bank systems and processes to manage technical and usage needs, effective completion of projects and to provide support during department audits.
• Adhere to bank policies and procedures designed to comply with Federal regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, and OFAC regulations.
• Avoid all real or perceived conflicts of interest and always maintain client privacy and confidentiality.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

JOB EVALUATION FACTORS:

Education/Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in banking or lending operations, including Loan Servicing and Processing.
• SBA processing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficient with loan origination systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and lending documentation preferred.
• Team player with a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Effective Communication - Facilitate consistent and clear communication between clients and internal teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Problem Resolution - Handle complex quality control issues and situations, providing solutions that align with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance - Follow established processes and standards to comply with relevant regulations and company policies.
• Attention to Detail - Must have good typing and clerical skills, as well as accuracy and attention to detail
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications (primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Organized and efficient - must be able to prioritize work assignments in a consistent manner to ensure timely and efficient production.

At WaFd Bank you get all of these great benefits!

• Paid time off for vacation, sick days and holidays
• Health insurance
• Stock options
• Bonus programs
• Generous 7% 401(k) employer matching*
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee assistance programs
• Pre-tax health and dependent-care spending plans

WaFd Bank Benefits Summary - Click here for more information

We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. WaFd Bank does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. WaFd Bank is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities to the full extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800.324.9375

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