Job Information
First Federal Branch Operations Manager in Bellingham, Washington
Description
Who We Are
First Fed is a local community bank on an exciting growth trajectory with 18 locations including 12 full-service branches in Western Washington. First Fed was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace for the last 3 years and a Top Corporate Philanthropist in 2023. By popular vote, First Fed received 2023 awards for Best Bank in The Best of the Northwest, Best Banker in Readers’ Choice by Cascadia Daily News, and Peninsula Daily News named us Best Bank on the Olympic Peninsula. We also received a Best-In-State bank award from Forbes in 2021.
For over 100 years First Fed has served our customers and communities throughout the PNW. We’ve donated over $9 million to non-profit organizations in the past 8 years through our foundations, sponsorships, direct donations, and matched employee donations. Our amazing team has volunteered over 25,000 hours in the past 5 years – many by using our benefit of 3 paid volunteer days per year!
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – our diversity makes us stronger. Join our award-winning team!
Our Values
Optimism: We are positive and decisive. We believe the future will be better than the past. Our attitude demonstrates persistence which leads to success.
Initiative: We are self-starters and find innovative solutions. We are courageous, entrepreneurial, and passionate. We take action for good.
Respect: We include individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. We are committed to honoring and serving others.
Growth: We learn and adapt so we can continually improve. We believe in personal growth through grit and determination.
Ownership: We are invested in our endeavors. We are accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
Position Purpose
The Branch Operations Manager is responsible for planning, administering, and coordinating branch operations while ensuring full compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This role focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies and improving both internal and external customer experience. It involves developing and routinely updating branch policies and procedures, providing training to branch teams on current procedures and best practices, and facilitating effective communication among Community Banking Branches. Additionally, the position supports a customer-centric, sales-driven culture aimed at building long-term relationships.
Essential Functions
Customer and Employee Experience
Drive initiatives that positively impact the customer and employee experience.
Constantly seeks more effective and innovative operational methods through collaboration with branch teams and internal support partners. Explores automation and technology solutions and continually advances branch operational systems for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Process Improvement & Compliance
Update and communicate procedural changes to ensure consistency and clarity.
Recommend and implement enhancements to systems and processes that advance company goals.
Ensure adherence to operational policies and controls, including branch deposit, non-deposit, and consumer lending operations.
Conduct internal reviews of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (including the Bank Secrecy Act) to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Auditing & Reporting
Develop staffing model reviews and provide recommendations to Community leadership.
Perform periodic branch audits and support Internal Audit reviews to identify training opportunities and improve compliance adherence.
Oversee the balancing of business line General Ledgers (GL) and analyze quarterly audits to ensure accuracy and identify trends or errors.
Prepare reports that track operational errors and trends, supporting adherence to regulatory requirements.
Technical Oversight
Serve as the subject matter expert on ITMs/ATMs, Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs), and Cash Advance terminals for balancing, servicing, and troubleshooting.
Manage the CXI Foreign Funds ordering system and daily GL balancing.
Provide after-hours support, as needed, for balancing issues, system problems, and operational inquiries.
Training & Development
Provide training to branch teams on operational procedures, product knowledge, and lending processes. Partner with the Community Operations Manager to create training materials for branch teams.
Act as an escalation point for Branch Managers, offering timely decisions and support for resolving operational issues with customers. Work directly with customers when needed.
Collaboration & Change Management
Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with employees and managers across the organization.
Act as a change agent, supporting periods of organizational and business growth.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to shifting priorities.
Travel routinely within the bank’s branch footprint.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
Two-year college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent work experience required.
Typically five to seven years of progressively responsible experience managing branch operations and procedures.
Skills & Competencies
Ability to deliver effective service and support to Community Banking production staff.
Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
Proficiency in training facilitation, presentations, and interpersonal communication.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
Competence in handling professional communications with internal and external auditors.
In-depth knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements.
Proven leadership capabilities, including delegation, coaching, and performance management.
Technologically proficient with the ability to instruct others on its effective use.
Experience in managing process changes and collaborating with multiple stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to operate standard office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, telephones).
Ability to communicate clearly with customers and colleagues, both in-person and via telephone.
Extended periods of sitting or standing may be required.
Pay Range
The pay range for this position is $72,026.24 - $122,444.61
The typical hiring range for this position is $85,000 – $105,000
The incentive plan for this position is the Branch Operations Incentive plan. It is paid out annually based on branch performance.
Employees will be eligible for our benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (401k with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan), gym membership reimbursement, discounts on our banking products, and more! Additional information on our benefits package can be viewed at https://www.ourfirstfed.com/careers
Qualifications
Education
Preferred
- Associates or better in Business Administration
Experience
Required
- 5 years: Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience managing branch operations and procedures.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)