Chief Operations Officer

Wipfli - Talent Management Consulting

Job Description

We are assisting our client, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, a growing community-focused financial institution, in the recruitment and selection of its next Chief Operations Officer. For over 116 years, the Bank has proudly served Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding communities, building trusted relationships through personalized service, local engagement, and a commitment to supporting the success of its customers and communities.

Bank of Wisconsin Dells is seeking a collaborative and results-oriented leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution. This role provides oversight of core banking operations, leads process improvement and technology initiatives, strengthens operational scalability and efficiency, and helps the Bank remain well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers, employees, and communities while maintaining a strong focus on risk management and regulatory compliance.

Location:

Wisconsin Dells offers a unique blend of small-town living and year-round recreation, making it an appealing place to live and work. Residents enjoy access to boating, hiking, scenic river views, and outdoor adventures, while also benefiting from convenient amenities, dining, entertainment, and a strong sense of community. Centrally located within Wisconsin, the area provides an appealing balance of professional opportunity and natural beauty.

Bank of Wisconsin Dells serves customers through additional locations in Lake Delton and Portage, Wisconsin, extending the Bank's reach and strengthening relationships throughout the surrounding communities. Together, these locations enable the Bank to maintain a strong local presence while serving the financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses across the region.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the bank's operational functions, including Loan Operations, Deposit Operations, Information Technology, and Electronic Banking.

· Partner with the executive leadership team to develop and execute strategies that support growth, operational excellence, and organizational objectives.

· Drive process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, reduce risk, and improve customer and employee experience.

· Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of operational systems, technologies, and digital banking solutions.

· Oversee enterprise-wide operational, technology, and transformation projects, ensuring successful execution, accountability, and measurable results.

· Translate strategic goals into operational priorities, performance metrics, and actionable business initiatives.

· Build and maintain scalable operational processes, policies, and workflows that support continued growth and service excellence.

· Foster a customer-centric culture focused on innovation, responsiveness, and exceptional service delivery across all channels.

· Lead, coach, and develop department leaders, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development.

· Strengthen organizational capacity through talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.

· Collaborate with lending, retail, finance, compliance, risk, and technology leaders to align operational practices with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

· Oversee operational risk management, internal controls, and corrective action efforts to ensure strong governance and regulatory compliance.

· Identify opportunities to streamline processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance organizational effectiveness across the bank.

· Help establish the operating structure, management discipline, and accountability systems necessary to support a growing community bank.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, or a related field required; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

· Minimum of 10 years of progressive banking experience, including extensive knowledge of community bank operations, loan operations, deposit operations, core banking systems, operational workflows, and risk management practices.

· Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven ability to build high-performing teams, develop talent, foster trust, and drive accountability.

· Previous supervisory and people management experience required.

· Proven success leading organizational change, system implementations, process improvement initiatives, and complex cross-functional projects.

· Strong understanding of banking regulations, internal controls, audit expectations, third-party risk management, and sound banking policies and procedures.

· Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to identify opportunities and implement practical solutions.

· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

· Ability to influence, motivate, and lead teams through growth, change, and transformation initiatives.

· Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, customer service, continuous improvement, and organizational success.

· Strong business acumen, sound judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

If you are a relationship-driven leader who is passionate about serving your community, fostering meaningful connections, and creating exceptional experiences for customers, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and submit your resume through our client application portal.