2026 Executive Associate Program - Banking Services Modernization

Manufacturers and Traders Trust•Buffalo, NY

7d•$100,000 - $171,000•Onsite

About The Position

Overview: The Executive Associate Program is designed for 2nd year MBA students who seek to accelerate their career within M&T Bank. Program hires will undergo an immersive leadership experience designed to develop leadership competencies and strategic capabilities. Throughout the first year, the incoming cohort will be introduced to Program alumni, bank wide leadership, and collaborate with peers to drive change to support the vision and goals of the Bank. Department Overview: Banking Services is the primary back-office operation for the Bank, supporting multiple lines of business. The division strives to deliver superior services and support to our valued business partners, bank customers, and fellow employees. This Executive Associate position falls within our Modernization team, who’s mission is to spearhead strategic initiatives to increase automation and AI technologies within the greater division. As an Executive Associate within this Modernization team you will help spearhead our Automation and AI strategy. Providing assistance leading significant process improvement projects and initiatives for individual lines of business, uses tools from Six Sigma, LEAN, Project Management and Change Management to consult with the business and executive management to develop strategic recommendations and improve Bank-wide and cross business processes at an enterprise level.

Requirements

Completed MBA from an accredited business school.
Minimum two years professional, full time work experience.
Demonstrated leadership potential, as evidenced through previous work experience, extracurricular activities, or community involvement
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and critically analyze complex business challenges
Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
Work visa sponsorship not offered for this role

Nice To Haves

Prior project management experience, consulting experience
Understanding of AI and Automation Strategies
Familiarity with strategic frameworks and software implementations

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to define scope/approach for department initiatives. Direct and monitor resources. May be responsible on an individual basis for directing complex, critical, and highly visible projects for Banking Services.
Direct development of continuous improvement initiatives, generally of less complexity, consult with, and influence internal contacts, creating value and buy-in as the lead process improvement transformation partner.
Lead process improvement initiatives through the use of measurements, analysis and discussion of process alternatives to arrive at viable solutions and best practices.
Prepare recommendations for presentation to senior management for the prioritization and execution of process re-engineering efforts.
Develop project plans and/or execution framework for assigned activities.
Identify and document opportunities for automation (e.g. robotics); develop business case.
Communicate project status, issues, and risks to project sponsor on a regular basis.
Consider stakeholder perspectives, address objections, help develop solutions, and drive action. Interact with senior management (internal/external) to obtain pertinent information
Ensure sustainable measurement systems for key deliverables are in place for each project.
Develop business case and project benefits and monitor actual results against projected benefits.
Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies, and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
Complete other related duties as assigned.