Who We Are:

Cardinal Financial is a nationwide direct mortgage lender that focuses on creating solutions for our borrowers, partners, and employees—to provide the very best experience. We are genuine and hard-working individuals who are not scared to improve and intentionally push beyond what is considered “good enough”

Looking to join a growing company that values its people, innovates, and expands on its proprietary technology? Apply below!

Location: Midwest (Hybrid or Remote within Midwest region)

Who We Need:

The Builder Development Manager reports directly to the SVP, National Builder, and is responsible for driving strategic growth within the National Builder channel through market analysis, territory planning, and the development of high-value builder partnerships on a regional and national level. This role independently evaluates and prioritizes builder opportunities based on volume potential, competitive positioning, and strategic alignment, and shapes partnership structures that support long-term, scalable growth.

The Builder Development Manager exercises discretion and independent judgment in analyzing market trends, forecasting pipeline and revenue impact, negotiating partnership terms, and recommending strategic initiatives to senior leadership. This role collaborates with internal sales, operations, marketing, and executive teams to align builder strategy with organizational objectives and to implement best-in-class processes that enhance performance and customer experience.

Through financial performance evaluation, competitive intelligence, and ongoing partnership assessment, this role plays a critical part in expanding Cardinal Financial’s builder footprint, strengthening its market position, and influencing strategic business decisions within the builder channel.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the identification, evaluation, onboarding, and expansion of regional and national builder partners to drive sustained mortgage production growth, including independent prioritization of opportunities based on revenue potential, strategic alignment, and market conditions.
• Develop and execute territory and go-to-market strategies across assigned markets (including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) through market analysis, competitive intelligence, and assessment of builder volume trends.
• Negotiate, structure, and manage strategic builder partnerships, including service levels, product mix, performance commitments, and partnership terms; serve as the primary relationship owner for assigned accounts.
• Analyze builder performance metrics, pipeline data, and financial results to forecast revenue contribution, evaluate return on investment, and recommend continuation, expansion, restructuring, or termination of partnerships.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding market positioning, product or service enhancements, and builder engagement strategies based on competitive insights and field intelligence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, operations, marketing, and leadership to design and implement builder-specific programs, processes, workflows, and engagement initiatives that support scalable growth.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on builder lending programs and provide strategic guidance and best practices to Builder Account Managers to enhance partner performance and satisfaction.
• Prepare and present territory plans, business development strategies, financial forecasts, performance analyses, and executive-level recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of strategic activities, partnership decisions, pipeline tracking, financial projections, and performance reporting within CRM and reporting systems.
• Represent Cardinal Financial as a brand ambassador by promoting the company’s mission, values, and ethical standards, including travel to builder sites, offices, and industry events as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mortgage lending, builder development, business development, or strategic account management.
• Demonstrated experience working with home builders, real estate partners, or large referral-based relationships.
• Experience supporting or scaling national or multi-market programs preferred.
• Strong ability to build and maintain long-term, strategic business relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on sustainable growth and partnership success.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, reporting tools, and standard business applications.

Travel Requirements:

The position is expected to have an active presence in the market, and regularly be on-site and face-to-face with a wide range of potential dealers and builders.

What We Offer:

Strength, Stability, and Vision

Great compensation package

Opportunity for career growth

A commitment to be a relevant market leader - we are aiming for the top!

Octane, our engineered proprietary technology that is transforming the mortgage industry

An empowered culture where your ideas are important and your voice matters

Full Benefits, beginning the first day of the month following your start date, including – Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance, and much more

Generous paid time off package that also includes all major holidays

401(k) w/ 50% match up to a maximum employee contribution of 5% - Beginning the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment

Cardinal Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and aim to empower individuals and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce. California residents click here to review Cardinal's California Employee Privacy Policy & Notice at Collection.