Manager - Loan Processing and Closing

The Manager - Loan Processing and Closing is responsible for leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for teams responsible for loan processing and closing activities. This role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, consistent customer experience, and continuous process improvement while developing team capability and driving performance outcomes aligned with organizational goals.

The People You Will Work With

The position will report directly to the Senior Manager - Servicing and Closing. The position will be a liaison with other members of the Operations team as well as Underwriting, Client Services, Farm and Ranch Credit, Servicing, Post Close, Business Development, and Legal departments.

Where and When You Will Work

The position will be based in the Farmer Mac Johnston, Iowa, location, with the possibility of remote hire for the exceptional candidate. Core business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Central. This position may need to be available on occasion outside of the core business hours and/or business days for planned and unplanned activities and to complete time sensitive projects or to attend off-site meetings and events.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee day-to-day loan processing and closing workflows to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and quality standards are met.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Analysts, Analysts, and Specialists across loan processing and closing functions.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular one-on-ones, deliver feedback, and manage performance review and development planning processes.
• Identify skills gaps and implement training, cross training, and succession plans to strengthen bench strength.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, investor guidelines, and service level agreements.
• Monitor workloads, prioritize deliverables, and resolve capacity constraints or operational bottlenecks.
• Provide escalation management for complex or high-risk loan issues.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of loan processing, servicing, post closing, and/or closing operations
• Must have proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Salesforce applications.
• Capacity to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Knowledge of the following documents:
  • Land Leases/Assignments
  • Closing Documents
  • Appraisals 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate, or Legal Studies. Other related areas of study may be considered.
• Minimum 6 years related agricultural lending experience.

Our compensation philosophy is targeted pay positioning relative to peers, our industry, and external markets. Farmer Mac is committed to a compensation program that will enable the organization to attract, motivate, reward, and retain highly skilled and creative talent to maintain sustained long-term performance and achieve the organization’s strategic business objectives. The typical starting salary range for this position is between $84,000-98,000, although wages can vary based on experience and geography.