2026 Preferred Banking Associate - Carmel Valley, CA

Western Alliance Bank•San Diego, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Preferred Banker Development program is intended for early career college graduates looking to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully operate in a business banking environment. This role is not a traditional entry level banking job, it is a purpose-built launchpad to quickly build skills in sales, service, and operations while learning about business lifecycles, deposits, treasury, lending, and transaction management. From day one, this role is designed to give early career professionals direct exposure to how commercial relationships are built, advised, and grown—an opportunity that’s increasingly rare early in a banking career. Instead of spending years in disconnected operational roles, you’ll work alongside experienced consumer, commercial, business and small business banking relationship managers, gaining hands on insight into the technical, advisory, and relationship skills required to succeed at higher levels of the bank. This role is designed for individuals who know they want to pursue commercial, business, or small business banking relationship management roles, private banking, or credit related career paths and are looking for a rare early opportunity to learn the business the right way—with structure, support, and real exposure. As a Preferred Banking Associate, you’ll play a key client-facing role throughout your development focusing on sales execution, deposit management, and relationship support. This position partners closely with Preferred Banking Advisors, Small and Business Banking Relationship Managers, and branch partners to support new business development, deepen existing client relationships, and deliver exceptional end-to-end service. The Preferred Banking Associate serves as a trusted point of contact for clients, ensuring a high-quality client experience while maintaining compliance with all bank policies, procedures, and risk management standards. This role provides an opportunity to apply advanced client service and operational expertise while building advisory exposure and supporting sales outcomes.

Requirements

2+ years of related experience in Customer Service, Branch or Retail Banking, Treasury Management Services; or Bachelor's degree in related field. or similar field.
High school diploma required
Entry level to intermediate knowledge of general banking operations, including deposit operations, loan administration, treasury management and/or other commercial banking products and services.
Entry level to intermediate knowledge of deposit products, client servicing, and operational processes within a fast paced, client-focused banking environment.
Entry level to intermediate attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and risk management.
Entry level to intermediate experience and proven ability to engage professionally with clients, partners, and leaders.
Intermediate speaking and writing communication skills.
Occasional travel required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Support sales execution, prospecting, and pipeline management in partnership with advisors and branch teams.
Serve as a primary client contact, delivering responsive service and identifying relationship growth opportunities.
Assist with account opening, maintenance, and delivery of deposit and treasury solutions.
Proactively engage clients through outreach, follow-up, and service reviews to ensure effective solution delivery.
Participate in client meetings and support relationship development activities.
Research, resolve, and follow through on client inquiries to ensure timely, accurate resolution.
Process client transactions accurately while adhering to policies, procedures, and risk controls.
Maintain cash handling, identity verification, and compliance standards across all servicing activities.

Benefits

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
a wellness program
opportunity to bolster business knowledge
learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances
invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career