Mortgage Operations Manager at The Cowart Team Home Loans

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionLead. Innovate. Elevate.Are you a proven leader in the Mortgage and Real Estate space?The Cowart Team Home Loans, an established, highly respected mortgage branch in Richmond, VA, is seeking an Operations Manager to keep our engine running smoothly and deliver an exceptional home-buying experience for every client.For more than a decade, our 17-person team has guided families across Central Virginia through one of life’s most meaningful milestones: purchasing a home. We’ve built reliable systems, earned a trusted reputation, and fostered a people-first culture. Now we’re ready to elevate to the next level, and we’re looking for a proactive, strategic operator to strengthen what we’ve built and drive continuous improvement.This is a true player-coach role. You’ll lead our operations team while staying hands-on, processing 5–10 loans per month. You’ll act as the bridge between vision and execution, driving innovation, championing technology best practices, and reinforcing a culture of excellence.Compensation & BenefitsExpected total compensation: $100,000+ once fully proficientCompetitive base salary plus per-loan bonuses (for 5–10 loans monthly)Quarterly performance bonuses tied to metrics and branch successComprehensive benefits packageThis is a full-time, on-site leadership role for someone ready to own operations, drive change, and elevate a team that cares deeply about people and performance.Why Join The Cowart TeamLeadership with PurposeBe the #3 leader in a respected branch.Shape how operations run and have a true voice in strategy.See your ideas make a real impact on people’s lives.Small Team Feel, Big Company StabilityWork independently while staying connected with the strength of a top 15 mortgage company behind you.Deliver boutique-level service with national resources.Collaborate with caring, motivated teammates who love what they do.Growth & RewardLead strategy while staying close to the work.Make process improvements that simplify lives and elevate the client experience.Build a long-term career with a team that’s here to stay.Compensation:$100,000+Responsibilities:What You’ll DoProcess & InnovationOversee the entire client journey—from application through post-closing.Identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and advocate for better tools and systems.Lead technology adoption and continuous process-improvement initiatives.Train, coach, and hold the team accountable to ensure consistent execution.Performance & QualityDrive innovation, elevate technology best practices, and champion a culture of excellence.Maintain SLA compliance and ensure all loans close on schedule.Monitor and analyze key performance metrics and turn times.Perform quality control reviews and provide coaching for ongoing improvement.Anticipate issues early and eliminate bottlenecks before they affect clients or leadership.Team LeadershipPartner with the leadership team using EOS principles to achieve organizational goals.Lead, support, and develop processors, virtual assistants, and other operational roles.Hire, onboard, and develop top-tier talent, ensuring the right people are in the right seats.Cultivate a team culture built on accountability, care, and curiosity.Hands-On ProcessingPersonally process 5–10 loans each month to stay connected to frontline work.Use real-time insights to identify and resolve operational friction points.Set the standard for communication quality and client care.What Success Looks Like3 Months: You understand our systems, have earned the team’s trust, and identified key improvement opportunities.6 Months: SLAs are trending upward, the team feels supported, and new systems are creating meaningful impact.12 Months: Operations run smoothly, clients are delighted, and leadership can focus on growth—confident that execution is in expert hands.Qualifications:Who You Are3 years in mortgage operations (processor, underwriter, closer, or ops leader).A proven “go-to” person who thrives on accountability and continuous improvement.Calm under pressure and skilled at balancing details with big-picture thinking.A natural leader and coach who empowers others to grow.Tech-savvy and comfortable using data to drive decisions.Local to Richmond/Central Virginia and passionate about community impact.About CompanyThe Cowart Team Home Loans exists to create a better way to buy a home by listening, planning, solving, and winning together. Based in Richmond, VA, we’re a local, full-service mortgage team that believes in hands-on guidance, proactive planning, and genuine care for clients and partners.We’re a team of Caring Rebels, creative experts who actually care, always going against the grain to do what’s right. We value curiosity, grit, gratitude, and teamwork, rowing with winners who love progress and excellence.If you’re ready to lead with purpose and bring your operational expertise to a high-performing, people-first team, we’d love to hear from you!