What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lending Team Manager position at ascentds?
About Ascent
Ascent Developer Solutions is a leading private lending platform, serving real estate developers nationwide in the acquisition, renovation, and construction of residential real estate. Founded by a leadership team with a deep understanding and personal experience in virtually every facet of real estate development, Ascent is uniquely positioned to create custom, innovative lending solutions for a variety of real estate development business strategies.
The Role
The Lending Team Manager is responsible for leading a team of lending professionals while actively overseeing loan structuring, pipeline execution, and borrower engagement. This role sits at the intersection of sales leadership, credit oversight, and operational execution, ensuring deals are structured creatively yet prudently, with a strong credit-first mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Pipeline Oversight
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of lending professionals to achieve and exceed production targets
- Be assigned specific Loan Officer (LO) pods and oversee pipeline workflow, prioritization, and execution
- Monitor pipeline health and ensure deals progress efficiently from application through funding
- Identify bottlenecks and manage escalations, presenting issues to Credit Operations and Credit as needed
Loan Structuring & Deal Execution
- Take ownership of loan structuring in partnership with the sales team, leveraging market knowledge and creativity while maintaining a credit-first mentality
- Guide originators on structuring complex transactions and navigating borrower scenarios
- Ensure all deals align with Ascent’s credit standards and overall risk framework
Credit Oversight & Approvals
- Review loan scenarios and provide recommendations on embedded loan extensions to SVP – Credit
- Partner closely with Credit and Underwriting teams to ensure disciplined evaluation and execution
- Assist in resolving exception requests and risk considerations
Borrower & Sponsor Engagement
- Participate in borrower onboarding calls and ongoing construction calls with sponsors
- Support relationship management strategy across the lifecycle of the loan
- Oversee extension and covenant-related outreach to sponsors in coordination with Relationship Managers
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with underwriting, processing, capital markets, and servicing teams
- Ensure alignment across departments to drive efficient deal execution and strong borrower experience
Strategy & Reporting
- Track team performance, pipeline metrics, and market trends
- Contribute to lending strategy, product development, and process improvements
- Use data and feedback loops to optimize team productivity and outcomes
Qualifications
- 7 years of experience in real estate lending (bridge, construction, or private credit preferred)
- 2–5 years of leadership or team management experience
- Strong expertise in loan structuring, credit analysis, and real estate finance
- Proven ability to manage pipelines and drive loan production
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
The Work Environment
- This role works on-site from Ascent's Encino office, Monday - Thursday (Fridays are work-from-home).
- Full-time, 40 hours per week; must be available for occasional overtime.
- Some nights and weekends required.
Salary Range
- $185,000 - $225,000 with 25% bonus target
Our Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits include five health plans, two dental plans, health savings and flexible spending accounts, vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, and other optional benefits from which to choose.
Our Pledge
We pledge to be fair and considerate in hiring and promoting individuals, ensuring everyone can contribute their fullest potential regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. By promoting equal opportunity, we not only enhance our workplace but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. At Ascent, we stand united in building a community where everyone is empowered to succeed. Thank you for joining us on our journey towards a more inclusive future.