VP/Director of Retail Banking

Forte Bank•Hartford, WI

About The Position

Forte Bank | We Exceed Expectations. Every Customer. Every Time. Forte Bank in Hartford, WI is seeking an experienced, people-first leader to serve as our VP/Director of Retail Banking. This is a senior leadership role for someone who believes strong results come from strong teams and who has a track record of driving execution and delivering results. This role is a key cultural leader at Forte Bank - someone who is patient, empathetic, sales-oriented, and deeply invested in developing people as individuals, not just employees. What You'll Do As VP/Director of Retail Banking, you will lead branch operations and growth across four or more community bank locations, driving deposits, consumer lending, home equity, and small-business relationships. You will: Lead, coach, and develop branch and retail leaders into a high performing, engaged team Drive sales performance while elevating the customer experience-both in-branch and digitally Partner with the COO to co-lead Forte Bank's digital transformation, including digital account opening, e-sign, remote servicing, and workflow automation Redefine retail job descriptions, build career paths, and implement a formal retail banking training and sales program Develop KPIs, analyze customer and performance data, and take action when results fall short Partner with the Marketing Manager to convert retail goals into focused, data-driven growth strategies using customer and branch performance data. Strategically use business and marketing insights to grow deposits, loans, and customer relationships. Oversee all aspects of branch operations, audits, cash controls, compliance (KYC/AML), and security Serve on ALCO and help guide deposit pricing and funding strategies Be highly visible in the community, building relationships and representing Forte Bank at local events Who You Are An experienced, hands-on leader who has a track record of driving execution and delivering results A patient, empathetic mentor who develops people and builds careers Sales-and goal-oriented, while always keeping the customer and employee experience front and center Comfortable leading through change and continuous improvement What You Bring

Requirements

7-10+ years of retail banking experience in a leadership role
5+ years leading multiple branches or an area team (4+ branches)
Strong knowledge of branch operations, compliance, and audit controls
Proven experience executing workforce planning, training & development, and career pathing
Experience with core banking systems, data, and analytics, conversion experience preferred
Bachelor's degree required

Nice To Haves

MBA or certifications a plus

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop branch and retail leaders into a high performing, engaged team
Drive sales performance while elevating the customer experience-both in-branch and digitally
Partner with the COO to co-lead Forte Bank's digital transformation, including digital account opening, e-sign, remote servicing, and workflow automation
Redefine retail job descriptions, build career paths, and implement a formal retail banking training and sales program
Develop KPIs, analyze customer and performance data, and take action when results fall short
Partner with the Marketing Manager to convert retail goals into focused, data-driven growth strategies using customer and branch performance data. Strategically use business and marketing insights to grow deposits, loans, and customer relationships.
Oversee all aspects of branch operations, audits, cash controls, compliance (KYC/AML), and security
Serve on ALCO and help guide deposit pricing and funding strategies
Be highly visible in the community, building relationships and representing Forte Bank at local events