MORTGAGE VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Overview: The Mortgage Vendor Relationship Manager oversees all third-party vendor relationships within the mortgage operations organization. This role ensures high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, and the achievement of business operational goals. The position drives vendor performance, mitigates operational risks, and serves as the primary liaison between mortgage operations and all third-party service vendors, both onshore and offshore. The ideal candidate has a strong background in mortgage operations, vendor relationship management, and risk assessment. They take a results-driven approach and can build and maintain strong, collaborative vendor relationships focused on performance outcomes. This is a fully remote position that offers a competitive salary range of $69,000-$95,000 plus an annual bonus. You'll also receive our excellent benefits package, which includes medical coverage starting on day one and a company-matched 401(k). Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main point of contact for all third-party vendors, both onshore and offshore, including AMCs, appraisal firms, quality-control providers, and other service vendors within the mortgage operations organization.
• Lead regular vendor meetings and business reviews to assess performance, compliance, and service quality, while proactively managing third-party risks.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all third-party service vendors, ensuring strategic alignment between internal operations teams and vendor partners to support loan cycle time goals.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to leadership based on vendor performance, trends, and operational data to drive process improvements and strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Complete quarterly scorecards for each vendor, evaluating performance metrics, service level agreements (SLA), service quality, and compliance.
• Proactively identify trends, bottlenecks, escalations, and service delays with vendors to drive resolution and improvement based on scorecard results.
• Monitor vendor compliance with company policies, audit requirements, and data-security standards.
• Maintain documentation related to vendor oversight, including performance reviews, audit findings, and remediation plans.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align vendor services with business needs and strategic goals; Escalate potential compliance or quality risk to internal compliance and risk teams.
• Support vendor-related training initiatives for internal staff and vendor partners.
• Analyze vendor performance data to recommend and implement process and workflow improvements to strengthen appraisal operations.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices to enhance vendor management strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience); High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 3-7 years of experience in mortgage operations, vendor management, or a related role.
• In depth understanding of appraisal guidelines, mortgage lending processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with loan origination systems or appraisal management platforms (e.g. Encompass, Blend) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of conventional and government loan programs and processing procedures.
• Proven ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and vendor management software.
• Experience working with appraisal AMCs and other third-party mortgage operation vendors (e.g. Reggora, DataVerify, Closing Corp)
• Familiarity with vendor risk management frameworks and methodologies.
• Project management experience is a plus.

Lakeview is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of consideration for employment and employment with the Company are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. #LI-Remote Apply tot his job Apply To this Job