Business Initiatives Manager - Alliance Association Banking Operations - Innovation Leadership Program (iLead)

Western Alliance Bank•Chandler, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an eighteen-month development program designed to enhance participants' business acumen, practical credit skills, and innovation-focused mindset. Participants will gain a solid understanding of credit fundamentals, with a specialized development track to strengthen credit expertise and prepare them for leadership roles. The training will also cover process optimization, emerging AI applications, and change management essentials for strategic decision-making. Throughout the program, participants will engage in high-impact projects that contribute to Western Alliance Bank's future, accelerate their careers as innovation leaders, expand their professional networks, and interact closely with senior executives across the enterprise. The Alliance Association Banking (AAB) Operations track specifically offers a deep, holistic understanding of core operational processes while supporting the bank's commitment to exceptional customer experiences. Participants will be immersed in daily operational responsibilities, learning about workflows, client interactions, and control mechanisms for accuracy and service excellence. As they progress, they will identify opportunities for improvement in processes, services, or documentation, present proposals to leadership, and lead implementation efforts. This experience builds operational expertise and strengthens future leadership capabilities. After 12 months, participants may be considered for full-time opportunities based on performance and with support from the Talent team.

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).

Responsibilities

Gain a strong grounding in credit fundamentals through a targeted development track.
Incorporate process optimization concepts, emerging uses of AI, and change management essentials.
Work on high-impact projects that shape the future of Western Alliance Bank.
Accelerate careers as innovation leaders.
Expand professional networks and engage closely with senior executives.
Gain firsthand knowledge of AAB Operations workflows, client touchpoints, and required controls.
Identify opportunities for process, service, or documentation improvements.
Present proposals for improvements to leadership.
Lead the implementation of approved changes, ensuring successful execution.