Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO), Banking

Deputy COO (Chief Operating Officer) / Operations Leader (Banking)

Baton Rouge, LA of Lafayette, LA | Relocation Available

SVP or EVP Level (depending on experience)

Ready for the role that puts you on the path to COO or similar C-level roles?

On behalf of our growing banking client based in Baton Rouge, we are recruiting for a rare opportunity for a banking operations leader to step into a true second-in-command role and help shape the future of a growing, multi-state financial institution.

Partnering directly with the COO, this person will lead and scale critical operational functions with meaningful visibility, influence, and long-term upside. The role is designed as a successor-track opportunity for someone ready to take the next step.

The initial priorities will be focused Loan Operations and Deposit Operations, with leadership across various other departments, and the opportunity to expand scope over time. This leader will help drive operational efficiency, process improvement, compliance, systems optimization, and team performance while supporting the bank's continued growth and highly reputable culture as a best place to work in the banking industry. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic perspective and the willingness to roll up your sleeves.

Key responsibilities include overseeing loan and deposit operations across retail, small business, CRE, and C&I; developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and controls; supporting strategic planning and operational execution with the COO; analyzing staffing, profitability, and performance metrics; strengthening process efficiency and infrastructure; partnering with regional and market leaders; overseeing key vendor relationships and core systems; supporting system enhancements and releases; and leading, coaching, and holding teams accountable in a highly regulated environment.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in banking operations
• Deep expertise in Loan Operations and Deposit Operations
• Experience in a community or regional bank environment, ideally $5B+ in assets
• Strong understanding of banking products, workflows, and operational infrastructure; experience with product development is a huge plus.
• Experience working in a regulated environment; SOX or public bank exposure is a plus
• Familiarity with core systems such as FIS, Jack Henry, CSI, or similar
• Strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel (pivot tables, data analysis)
• Power BI or similar tools are a plus
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive accountability with capabilities to manage teams of 50+ team members (direct and indirect reports)
• Comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across the organization
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment

The ideal candidate is a strong operator and leader who is ready for the next step, not someone who is already long-tenured in a COO seat. This person should bring discipline, ownership, and a mindset focused on building and scaling for the future.

Position is onsite 100% and can be based in Baton Rouge or Lafayette, LA.

This is a position summary for advertising purposes. Official job description to be provided at the time of initial interview.

Relevant current OR prior titles may include (but not limited to): SVP, Director of Operations; VP or SVP, Bank Operations; Head of Operations; Director of Loan Operations; Senior Manager of Lending Operations, Director of Deposit Operations; Retail Operations Director; Branch Administration Leader; Operations Manager; Manager/Senior Manager of Operations, Senior Manager of Loan Operations, Senior Manager of Deposit Operations, Chief Banking Officer; Director of Operational Excellence; VP, Banking Operations Strategy; Director of Core Systems; or Deputy COO.