Operations Manager

Bankwell Financial Group•New Canaan, CT

21h

About The Position

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com . The First Vice President, Operations Manager is a senior leadership role reporting to the Senior Vice President, Head of Operations. The Operations Manager will lead an organization of six (6) direct reports and a total organization of 13 people. This role is responsible for overseeing daily deposit, payment and retail operations activities of the bank, ensuring efficient, compliant and client-focused processes. In addition to managing operations, this role provides support to internal clients, drives process improvements, and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and internal control narratives. The ideal candidate is a strong leader, is experienced at coaching and managing a team, has an innovative mindset, is an analytical thinker who brings a broad and deep knowledge of banking operations.

Requirements

5-10 years of direct experience in bank operations
3+ years of operations management experience
2 -4 years of direct team management experience
Strong knowledge of banking operations, regulations and compliance requirements
Leadership and team management and development skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Experience with core and online banking systems
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong Project Management Skills
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as BSA/AML, KYC, FDIC, FFIEC guidelines
Experience with core banking platforms and digital transformation initiatives

Nice To Haves

NCP, AAP, APRP and/or APRP certification(s) a plus

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day banking operations, including deposits, garnishments and levies, escheatment, deposit products, exception items, new account review, payments (ACH, wire, fraud reviews), remote deposit capture, and branch operations (cash, ATMs), reconciliations
Responsible for monitoring and remediating data quality issues related to the core deposit system and other integrated applications
Ensure operational processes comply with all regulatory requirements and internal policies
Monitor and improve operational efficiency, identifying opportunities for automation and cost reduction
Manage and mentor operations staff, including hiring, training, performance management and development
Establish and maintain formal departmental training program
Collaborate with departments such as Retail Banking, Private Banking, Treasury Management, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Lending and IT to ensure seamless operations
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and internal controls narratives
Responsible for issue management tracking and remediation, including self-identified issues, audit issues, and regulatory issues
Develop and maintain ACH, Wire and Electronic Banking policies
Develop, analyze and maintain operational metrics (KRIs and KPIs), including ACH return ratios; prepare reports for senior leadership
Lead initiatives related to process improvement, system upgrades, and digital transformation
Handle escalations related to operational issues and customer complaints
Ensure business continuity planning and risk mitigation strategies are in place and tested
Manage audit and regulatory exam responses
Manage vendor relationships, including core banking, online banking, and payments vendors.