Strategic Growth Leader

General Job Summary

The Strategic Growth Leader (SGL) is responsible for driving profitable regional growth through the recruitment, development, and retention of high-performing mortgage sales talent. This role is non-producing and is focused on building scalable production capacity across assigned geographic markets.

The SGL partners closely with the National Recruiting Team and National Production Manager to identify, attract, and onboard Loan Officers, Branches, and Sales Leaders while ensuring alignment with University Lending Group’s production goals, culture, and compliance standards.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Serve as the regional owner for recruiting outcomes, including Loan Officers, Branches, and Sales Leaders.
• Consistently prospect for new production talent within assigned markets in partnership with Mortgage Sales Recruiters.
• Conduct advanced candidate conversations to assess production capacity, cultural fit, and growth potential.
• Lead branch recruitment discussions, including team structure, transition planning, and onboarding strategy.
• Interview, recommend, and support hiring decisions for all regional production roles.
• Actively retain top performers through coaching, engagement, and career-path discussions.

Regional Production Oversight

• Develop and execute regional growth plans aligned with national production objectives.
• Monitor regional pipelines, volume trends, and market penetration.
• Partner with EVP and Director of Talent to set realistic production and hiring goals.
• Identify underperforming markets and execute corrective or growth initiatives.

Leadership & Development

• Coach and develop sales leadership and Loan Officers to maximize performance.
• Ensure teams are trained on ULG products, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Lead by example in establishing a positive, accountable, performance-driven culture.
• Continually assess training needs and ensure appropriate development programs are in place.

Market & Relationship Management

• Stay informed on local and national mortgage industry trends.
• Represent ULG at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote the company’s value proposition.
• Maintain strong relationships with referral partners, industry leaders, and internal stakeholders.

Operational & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure adherence to ULG policies, federal and state regulations, and investor guidelines.
• Review production, pipeline, and performance reports to guide decision-making.
• Collaborate with operations, fulfillment, and compliance teams to ensure smooth onboarding and production execution.

Technology & Reporting

• Utilize recruiting CRM to track recruiting pipelines, candidate activity, and outcomes.
• Review weekly and monthly recruiting and production dashboards.
• Use LOS and reporting tools to monitor regional production health.

Other Job Functions

• All other duties as assigned by management.

Education, Training and Work Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree desired.
• 3+ years of mortgage industry experience required.
• Prior experience in mortgage sales leadership, recruiting, or regional management strongly preferred.
• Proven success recruiting and developing production teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong recruiting, relationship-building, and closing skills.
• Ability to evaluate production potential and market opportunity.
• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion.

Working Environment

Primary working environment is within an indoor climate-controlled office space and/or a private home office or some combination which will be at managements sole discretion. Employee may be subject to florescent lighting, dust, and other normal indoor allergens. Employee may work in close proximity of coworkers and occasionally independently in quiet environments.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Extended periods of sitting (at computer desk).
• May be exposed to extended periods of interactions with others (listening/talking/taking notes).
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed.
• Ability to work outside standard business hours.
• Complete repetitive tasks (including operation of computer mouse/keyboard).

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The salary target for this role takes into consideration a wide range of factors including but not limited to the duties of the role, experience, location, and certificates and/or education. The target salary range for this position is between $65,000 and $85,000 per year (plus incentives). 

**University Bank is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer**