SoCal Independent Escrow Channel Leader

Who We AreJoin a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We DoThe Southern California Independent Escrow Channel (IEC) Leader is responsible for driving revenue performance and operational excellence across multiple county operations within a defined geographic region. This role provides strategic oversight of escrow operations, ensuring compliance with First American policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards while optimizing operational efficiency and service delivery across all locations.
Although this position does not directly manage Sales, it partners closely with sales leadership to align operational capacity with growth initiatives, market expansion strategies, and performance objectives. The role plays a critical leadership function in strengthening core markets, enhancing process effectiveness, developing high-performing teams, and positioning the Division for sustained long-term success.
This is a hybrid position within our Independent Escrow Channel (IEC), with the option to be based out of any of our Southern California IEC offices.

Essential Functions:

Operational Leadership

• Lead regional title and escrow operations across multiple offices, ensuring high-quality service delivery and process consistency.
• Maintain compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices.
• Identify opportunities to optimize workflows, improve productivity, and enhance service quality.

Strategic Direction

• Develop and execute operational strategies that support Division goals, scalability, and market development.
• Oversee and strengthen designated “core markets,” with defined strategic importance and future growth opportunity.
• Partner with Sales leadership to support market growth initiatives, customer experience expectations, and performance alignment.

People Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Directors, Area Managers, Branch Managers, and multi-office operational teams.
• Manage workforce planning, staffing, performance evaluations, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture aligned with First American’s values, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Business Performance & Oversight

• Monitor and analyze operational KPIs, financial performance, and service-level metrics to ensure achievement of business goals.
• Lead the adoption and implementation of new systems, processes, and technologies to support operational effectiveness.
• Function as the key operational decision-maker within the region, proactively addressing issues and identifying opportunities.

Competencies:

 Operational Excellence & Execution

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of escrow operations, including risk mitigation, compliance, and regulatory awareness.
• Drives efficiencies through process improvements and implementation of best practices.

Strategic Thinking

• Translates Division goals into actionable operational plans that support growth and long-term scalability.
• Anticipates market trends and operational needs to position the region for success.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Builds and leads high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and effective performance management.
• Creates a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and service excellence.

Collaboration & Influence

• Partners effectively across Sales, Finance, HR, Compliance, and other support functions.
• Builds strong relationships to align operational priorities with organizational objectives.

Business & Financial Acumen

• Understands key financial metrics and operational drivers that impact profitability and productivity.
• Uses data to make informed decisions and optimize regional performance.

Change Leadership

• Guides teams through organizational, technological, and process-related changes.
• Promotes adaptability and resilience across the region.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Extensive experience in escrow operations with a deep understanding of industry workflows and regulatory requirements.

- Demonstrated success leading multi-site or regional operations.

- Experience in operational strategy, process optimization, and performance management.

- Strong leadership skills with proven ability to coach, develop, and manage teams.

- Effective communicator with strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.

- Ability to interpret financial and operational data to support business decisions.

Eligible for Annual Incentive Plan

Pay Range: 216,175.00 - 270,225.00 Annually
This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We OfferBy choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.