Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operating Officer – Banking Operations & Deposit Growth  
September 2026

Senior banking executive responsible for leading branch and operational activities as a profit and cost center while driving sustainable deposit growth, operational efficiency, service excellence, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Partners with the CEO, Regional COO, Board, and senior leadership to translate strategic objectives into measurable operating results and scalable processes. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead overall banking operations with accountability for deposit growth, profitability, operating efficiency, service quality, risk management, and regulatory compliance.  
• Develop and execute strategies to grow core deposits, strengthen client relationships, increase wallet share, and expand banking products and services.  
• Partner with branch and business development teams to identify deposit opportunities across consumer, small business, commercial, and community banking segments.
• Establish clear operating structures, performance expectations, and accountability across branches and operational functions
• Evaluate existing business processes and implement best practices, workflow improvements, automation, and controls to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.  
• Direct the development of short- and long-term operating plans, budgets, and performance objectives aligned with organizational growth strategies.  
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to deposits, loan production,customer growth, operational efficiency, service levels, expenses, and profitability.  
• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and executive-level operating reports highlighting performance, trends, risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.  
• Ensure effective controls are in place to protect customer assets, maintain data integrity, strengthen operational security, and support accurate information flow.
• Partner with technology and operations teams to improve banking systems, reporting capabilities, digital processes, and overall customer experience. 
• Oversee branch operations, loan processing, servicing, quality assurance, and other critical banking functions to ensure consistent execution.
• Ensure commercial, consumer, and other lending operations comply with established policies, procedures, credit standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead operational risk management initiatives and ensure compliance with applicable banking laws, regulations, internal policies, and control standards.  
• Build a high-performing leadership team through coaching, succession planning, performance management, and leadership development. 
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, decision-making authority, and accountability throughout the organization. 
• Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience while maintaining appropriate controls, profitability, and operational discipline.
• Lead organizational change and complex projects from strategy through implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Work closely with senior leadership to identify new products, services, and delivery channels that expand market reach and strengthen the institution's competitive position. 
• Support sustainable financial inclusion initiatives by developing accessible banking products and services for underserved communities and small businesses.  
• Foster an organizational culture centered on integrity, accountability, customer service, teamwork, continuous improvement, and mission-driven leadership.  

Leadership & Operational Focus 

• Deposit Growth & Relationship Expansion  
• Branch & Banking Operations  
• Profitability & Cost Management  
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence  
• Commercial & Consumer Lending Operations  
• Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance  
• Quality Assurance & Internal Controls  
• Budgeting & Financial Performance  
• Technology & Digital Transformation  
• Executive Leadership & Succession Planning  
• Customer Experience & Service Delivery  
• Team Development & Performance Management  
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Banking, Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.  
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible banking and/or operations experience, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.  
• Experience managing banking operations, branch performance, deposits, lending operations, or financial services.  
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, operational controls, risk management, loan processing, quality assurance, and servicing.  
• Demonstrated ability to analyze performance data, identify opportunities, and implement improvements that produce measurable results.  
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, processes, and cross-functional teams.  
• Strong understanding of strategic planning, financial performance, employee development, and organizational structure.  
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.  
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with clients, employees, community partners, and senior leadership.  
• Commitment to ethical leadership, community banking, customer service, and sustainable organizational growth.  
• Residence in Sarasota, Florida, or willingness to relocate to Peoria Heights, Florida. 

If you have a background in banking operations and are ready to take on a leadership role that supports steady growth, operational stability, and strong community banking values, we encourage you to apply. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, guide a long‑established institution, and work closely with senior leadership to strengthen performance and service delivery. Qualified candidates who are committed to operational excellence, customer service, and disciplined leadership are invited to submit their resume for consideration.

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