Branch Manager I

Woodforest National Bank • Kankakee, IL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Branch Manager I leads a Woodforest National Bank branch with an entrepreneurial, business-owner mindset. The manager spends most of their time at the branch, engaging with customers and team members to drive sales, increase deposits, develop customer relationships, and ensure the branch serves as a hub for banking services. The role focuses on exceptional service, relationship growth, operational excellence, and the bank’s values of Ownership, Service, Community, and Integrity.

The Branch Manager is accountable for branch performance and operations, including compliance, security, cash handling, expense control, audits, and reporting. The manager leads sales and service efforts, develops community and business relationships, promotes banking and lending solutions, and refers customers to wealth management services. The role also includes recruiting, developing, and retaining staff; coaching the team; supporting customers’ use of digital banking tools; and resolving customer concerns.

The role requires at least five years of progressive banking, sales, or customer service experience and one year of leadership experience; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or successful completion of the Branch Manager in Training program and at least six months of applied MIT experience. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. The position is full-time, includes travel up to 25% for business development and community engagement, and may require flexible or extended hours. Working conditions involve standing most of the time and may include walking, bending, stooping, sitting briefly, and occasionally lifting or carrying items up to 30 pounds. The employee must maintain a mobile device compatible with the Cisco Duo app for secure authentication.

Requirements

• At least five years of progressive banking, sales, or customer service experience and one year of leadership experience; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and three years of progressive banking, sales, or customer service experience; or successful completion of the Branch Manager in Training program and at least six months of applied MIT experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal skills, sales acumen, and comfort with technology-driven banking solutions.
• Proactive in seeking business outside the branch; comfortable with outside sales.
• Goal-oriented, disciplined team leader with strong interpersonal skills and sales aptitude.
• Open to coaching and feedback.
• Ability to work flexible or extended hours to meet business needs and demonstrate reliability.
• Effective problem-solving skills and ability to remain composed and positive with customers and colleagues.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, products, services, policies, procedures, regulatory guidelines, and the sales and service process.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, follow directions, and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and multitasking in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand instructions, forms, and applications, and familiarity with financial statements and credit reports.
• Ability to maintain a mobile device compatible with the Cisco Duo app for secure authentication.
• Ability to meet the stated physical conditions, including standing most of the time and occasionally lifting or carrying items up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate the branch as a business, driving performance, managing resources, and making decisions that support long-term growth and profitability.
• Lead the team in achieving sales goals and expectations, and measure results consistently.
• Lead branch operations with a focus on deposit growth and wealth management referrals.
• Manage branch operations, including compliance, security, cash handling, and expense control.
• Deliver a warm, personalized, solution-oriented customer experience.
• Coach team members to identify customer needs and recommend valuable banking and investment solutions.
• Drive client acquisition, strengthen relationships, promote lending solutions, and refer clients to wealth management services.
• Build relationships in the local community and position the branch as a trusted financial partner.
• Collaborate with Retail Partners on joint engagement opportunities that increase branch traffic and deepen local connections.
• Lead community outreach with Community Development Relationship Managers in support of local initiatives and events.
• Uphold ethical standards and ensure adherence to bank policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
• Foster transparency, trust, and respect within the team and with customers.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent to build a high-performing, values-driven team.
• Lead a technology-forward banking experience and help staff and customers use digital tools confidently.
• Resolve customer concerns empathetically, with ownership and timely follow-through.
• Maintain operational excellence through audits, reporting, and continuous process improvement.
• Make personnel and employment decisions for the assigned branch or location.
• Engage in business development and community engagement travel, up to 25%.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits, eligibility, and waiting periods are described in the referenced benefits overview and may vary by employment status.
• Paid leave pursuant to the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA), subject to eligibility and waiting periods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED