Assistant Branch Manager

Assistant Branch Manager

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We're passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We're dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at

The Assistant Branch Manager plays a critical operational leadership role within the branch, leading operations and compliance. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the branch consistently meets quarterly audit standards and comply with all internal and regulatory requirements. This includes oversight of cash management, documentation accuracy, system integrity, and daily branch functions.

In addition to leading operational duties, this role supports the Branch Manager in coaching team members and ensuring an excellent in branch sales and service customer experience for Small Business and Consumer customers. The Assistant Branch Manager will lead and coach team members to have consultative conversations with existing and prospective customers in the branch, while the Branch Manager will lead overall business development efforts outside the branch with emphasis on acquiring new-to-bank Small Business relationships. The Assistant Branch Manager assumes responsibility of the branch in the absence of the Branch Manager.

This position would rotate between our Darien, CT and Norwalk, CT locations.

Responsibilities include:

Branch Operations:

• Lead all branch staff to adhere to operational policies, procedures, and controls; support operational training and development of branch staff to uphold accuracy and efficiency standards.
• Lead and ensure compliance with quarterly internal and regulatory audit requirements.
• Oversee branch cash operations including ATM, vault, and teller cash within prescribed limits.
• Perform and oversee daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations, including general ledgers and ATM settlements.
• Manage operational risk and ensure branch readiness for audits and inspections at all times.
• Obtain and validate documentation for new account openings and maintenance in compliance with Bank policy.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with security and fraud prevention protocols.
• Assist with opening and closing of the branch, ensuring completion of required checklists and documentation.

Sales Support:

• Support the Branch Manager in coaching team members with Small Business and Consumer product knowledge and identifying sales opportunities through consultative conversations.
• Serve as a role model in the branch, engaging Small Business and Consumer customers and supporting a welcoming and professional environment.
• Leverage expertise of internal bank partners and refer sales opportunities to Branch Manager, Commercial Lending, SBA and service partners when appropriate.
• Perform customer transactions, account servicing and new account openings with a focus on quality, timeliness and accuracy.
• Promote the use of Bankwell's digital and online tools to improve customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail banking operations with a background serving the sales and service needs of Small Business clients is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of branch operations, compliance, and audit procedures for Small Business and Consumer clients.
• Excellent cash handling and reconciliation skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage confidential information and operational accuracy.
• Ability to engage Small Business and Consumer clients in meaningful consultative conversations to identify needs and provide an excellent customer experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and a team-focused mindset
• Prior people management experience is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and core banking systems; digital fluency is essential.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including some Saturdays.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• HSA option
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Telehealth and wellness resources
• Supplemental insurance options
• Pet insurance and legal plan benefits

Benefits become effective on the first day of the month following date of hire.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities Act and certain other state or local laws. Please inform Bankwell's Human Resources representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

All employees are responsible for complying with banking regulations that apply to Bankwell. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the BSA and various consumer protection regulations, and complying with OFAC sanctions. Employees are required to complete compliance training and follow policies and procedures for applicable regulations based on their role. An employee's failure to comply with banking regulations will be individually reviewed and assessed. The result of non-compliance may impact job performance ratings and may be serious enough to require termination of employment.