Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Banking (Augusta)

Our client is a very respected regional bank with operational headquarters in August Georgia.At this time, they are hoping to attract a Chief Operations Officer to their team. Base salary is expected to be in the $200K to $260K range plus bonus of 20% to 30%.The Chief Operations Officer will be responsible for the effectiveness, reliability, control, and scalability of the bank’s operational functions. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer this person will ensure that transactions, account servicing, documentation, payments, systems, and operational processes are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory requirements and bank policy.The COO will lead functions such as deposit operations, loan operations, electronic banking operations, payment processing, customer support, core-system administration, vendor coordination, business continuity, and operational project management. Information technology, facilities, branch support, treasury-management operations, or other areas may also report to the position depending on the bank’s structure.Requirements:Substantial experience in bank operations within a community bank, regional bank, credit union, or similarly regulated financial institution.· Meaningful leadership experience in two or more operational areas, such as deposit operations, loan operations, payments, core systems, electronic banking, branch support, or vendor management.· Strong working knowledge of banking regulations and operational-control requirements.· Demonstrated experience improving processes, correcting control weaknesses, and managing operational change.· Experience with core processing systems and related banking applications.· Experience working with auditors, examiners, compliance personnel, technology professionals, and third-party vendors.· Ability to understand detailed operational matters while maintaining appropriate executive perspective.Leadership Characteristics· Strong command of bank-operational processes and controls.· High attention to accuracy without becoming unnecessarily procedural or bureaucratic.· Ability to identify the underlying cause of recurring operational problems.· Practical understanding of how operating decisions affect customers, bankers, and other departments.· Clear communication and disciplined follow-through.· Willingness to address weak processes, unclear accountability, and inconsistent performance.· Ability to balance control, service, efficiency, and scalability.· Strong working relationships with business leaders without compromising operating standards.Measures of SuccessSuccess should be evaluated through outcomes such as:· Accurate and timely transaction processing.· Reduction in operational errors, losses, exceptions, and repeat audit findings.· Improved service levels for customers, branches, lenders, and other internal users.· Stronger procedures, controls, documentation, and cross-training.· Effective vendor oversight and system administration.· Successful completion of operational projects and system changes.· Improved scalability and reduced reliance on manual processes.· Effective business-continuity testing and operational resilience.· Development and retention of capable operational leadership.