Senior Director, Core Market Operations - Direct Division

Who We Are

Join 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 Do

The Senior Director, Core Market Operations, is responsible for managing revenue generation and operations for multiple county operations in a state or broadly defined area where title operations and escrow transactions are conducted. This role oversees title and escrow operations, ensures adherence to First American’s policies and industry regulations, and drives operational excellence across all locations. While the role does not directly oversee Sales, it works collaboratively with sales leadership to align operational capabilities with growth strategies and market performance objectives. This position plays a critical part in leading teams, improving processes, and strengthening the long-term success of core markets within the Division.

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 “core markets,” typically generating less than $30M in annual revenue but designated as foundational or strategic.

• 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.

• Act as the key operational decision-maker within the region, proactively addressing issues and identifying opportunities.

Competencies

Operational Excellence & Execution

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of title and 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 title and 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.

What We Offer

By 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.