Business Initiatives Manager - Innovation Leadership Program (iLead)

Western Alliance Bank • Chandler, AZ

4d

About The Position

This development program helps participants strengthen their business acumen, build practical credit skills, and develop an innovation‑focused mindset. Participants will gain a strong grounding in credit fundamentals, enhanced through a targeted development track that strengthens their credit expertise and prepares them to lead with insight and innovation. Training will also incorporate process optimization concepts, emerging uses of AI, and the essentials of change management to support well‑rounded, strategic decision‑making. Throughout the program, they will work on high‑impact projects that shape the future of Western Alliance Bank, accelerate their careers as innovation leaders, expand their professional networks, and engage closely with senior executives across the enterprise. Alliance Association Banking Operations Overview The Alliance Association Banking (AAB) Operations team provides critical support to homeowner associations and community management companies. Operations teams—including Onboarding, Fraud Prevention, Quality Control, Call Center Operations, Treasury Management product support along with technical integrations, and Customer Service—ensure accurate and timely processing, strong risk management, and an exceptional customer experience. The team is responsible for supporting our clients through daily operational execution, issue resolution, documentation, training, while adhering to policy and regulatory requirements. AAB Operations plays a central role in driving efficiency, maintaining customer service excellence, and supporting the division’s significant growth. Track Overview The AAB Operations track will provide the participant with a deep, holistic understanding of core operational processes while supporting Western Alliance Bank’s commitment to exceptional customer experiences. Participants will become immersed in daily operational responsibilities, gaining firsthand knowledge of workflows, client touchpoints, and the required controls that ensure accuracy and service excellence. As they progress through the track, the participant will identify opportunities for process, service, or documentation improvements and present proposals to leadership. Once approved, the participant will lead implementation, ensuring successful execution of change. This experience builds operational expertise while strengthening future leadership capability. This is an eighteen-month program that serves as a pathway into a long‑term career with Western Alliance Bank. After 12 months, participants may be considered for full‐time opportunities, contingent on performance and supported by our Talent team through the application and selection process.

Requirements

• MBA or master's degree in a related field completed within the last three years and before the start of the program.
• Two to five years of related experience in operations, financial services, project management, data analysis, risk management, technology/automation, or client facing leadership roles.
• Demonstrated history of acting as a change agent and taking initiative.
• Desire to innovate, disrupt, and improve.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Demonstrated leadership, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel) and other presentation tools.
• Ability to work both independently and on cross functional teams.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interest in operational excellence, service quality, and process improvement.
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Analytical mindset with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong understanding of general banking operations, fraud mitigation, and quality control concepts (or ability to learn quickly).

Benefits

• We offer all the important things you'd want — like competitive salaries, an ownership stake in the company, medical and dental insurance, time off, a great 401k matching program, tuition assistance program, an employee volunteer program, and a wellness program.
• In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to bolster your business knowledge, learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances, giving you invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees