Director of Operations - Private Credit

Company Overview

Korn Ferry has partnered with a private credit firm specializing in originating and servicing short-term real estate bridge loans is seeking a Director of Operations to lead operational strategy and infrastructure as the platform continues to grow.

Role Overview

The Director of Operations will serve as the firm’s operational leader and strategic partner to the Founder. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for building and implementing the operational systems that support the full loan lifecycle. The role will initially focus on designing and executing core processes and will evolve into scaling those systems through structure, team development, and performance management.

Role Impact

• Build the operational infrastructure required to support a scalable lending platform
• Improve execution speed and consistency across the loan lifecycle
• Strengthen documentation standards, operational controls, and credit discipline
• Provide leadership visibility into portfolio performance, operational metrics, and risk exposure
• Reduce dependency on informal decision-making by establishing clear processes, authority structures, and accountability

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee operational execution across the entire loan lifecycle, including underwriting coordination, loan processing, closings, servicing, and investor operations
• Design and implement scalable workflows, systems, and standard operating procedures
• Establish operational controls and ensure documentation accuracy and compliance with internal standards
• Lead and develop the operations function, creating clear ownership, accountability, and performance expectations
• Develop reporting frameworks to track operational performance, portfolio exposure, and execution quality
• Identify operational bottlenecks, process gaps, and structural risks and implement solutions proactively

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in private lending, mortgage banking, commercial lending, asset-based lending, private equity, or a similarly complex financial services environment
• 7 years of progressive operations leadership experience, including systems design, process development, and team management
• Demonstrated experience building or scaling operational infrastructure within a growing organization
• Strong independent judgment with the ability to assess operational risk and improve execution quality
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, MS in Finance, or similar graduate degree preferred (equivalent senior operating experience will also be considered)

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a founder-led or high-growth organization
• Familiarity with investment fund structures or investor reporting environments
• Exposure to real estate bridge lending or short-term credit strategies