Director of Operational Excellence - Community Banking

JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Operational Excellence - Community Banking provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Seacoast's community branch network. This role ensures that all branches deliver a consistent, efficient, and compliant customer experience while supporting strategic growth initiatives. They are responsible for overseeing all community banking operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and exceptional customer service across branches. The Director partners closely with Community Leadership, Human Resources, First/Second Line Risk, Compliance, and Technology to ensure branch operations align with organizational strategy and growth objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Champion a culture of operational excellence by setting high standards for branch day-to-day branch operations and customer experience.
• Ensure operational practices are consistent, scalable, and aligned with Seacoast Bank's strategic priorities. Providing leadership, training, and management to ensure operational controls and people systems are in place for exceptional service.
• Design and implement streamlined workflows, leveraging technology and automation to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance service delivery.
• Improving the performance, productivity, customer experience, efficiency, and profitability of the channel through effective leadership and training.
• Ensure branch network adherence to AML/BSA requirements and fostering of a culture focused on managing bank risk.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and cost-saving initiatives across all operational departments to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Strong command and implementation of operational policies and procedures to maximize performance.
• Drives improvement, clarity, and consistency of policies and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of branch utilized hardware and software and how to align training, enhancements, and service needs with support departments when needed.
• Evaluating transaction reports and account balances for accuracy and clarity and ensuring the department meets performance standards.
• This role requires a high level of competence and confidence in handling financial issues, with the ability to make decisions with the approval of management.
• Direct and manage all operational functions of the community branch network, including audit, compliance, transaction processing, and customer service.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic initiatives that enhance member experience and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align operational goals with organizational objectives.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement across all branches. Use data-driven insights to identify gaps and implement corrective actions. Implement initiatives to drive continuous improvement and achieve operational goals.
• Ensure all operations comply with banking regulations and internal policies. Support audits and examinations, maintaining appropriate documentation and internal controls.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in community banking operations or retail management, including multi-location oversight.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated success in operational excellence initiatives, including process redesign, workflow automation, and efficiency improvements.
• Proven track record in operations and compliance, with deep knowledge of banking regulations, audit standards, and control frameworks.
• Experience leading large-scale change management projects, including technology implementations and operational transformations.
• Strong background in performance management, including KPI development, operational analytics, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with digital banking platforms, automation tools, and emerging technologies that enhance operational efficiency.
• Exceptional ability to influence without direct authority, collaborating across multiple business lines and senior leadership teams.

The Statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Because these statements are general, the job description is used for a variety of purposes including job evaluations; performance reviews; recruitment; etc. All Associates are required to adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards applicable to our industry. It is the policy of Seacoast Bank that all Associates will be familiar and compliant with all regulatory, legal, ethical and Bank risk mitigation requirements pertaining to both our industry and their individual roles. This includes the on time, successful completion of annual required training post-hire and effective execution of role responsibilities.