Head of Banking Operations

Chief Banking Officer (CBO) $135K-150K Base + ~10% Bonus | Full Relocation Offered Comprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO) Location: (Western Illinois - ~2 hours west of Chicago) About the Opportunity We are representing a growing, community-focused bank seeking a Chief Banking Officer (CBO) to join its executive leadership team. This is a newly created role driven by growth and succession planning, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established regional institution. The bank has approximately 150 employees across 9 locations and has built a strong reputation for relationship-based banking, customer service, and deep community involvement. Why This Role Executive leadership role with direct impact on strategy and growth Full relocation package offered Strong financial performance and momentum: ~$696M in assets (+5% YoY) Net income up ~20% year-over-year Loan growth of ~8% YoY Stable, engaged workforce - average employee tenure ~5 years Community-driven culture - employees actively involved in local events, nonprofits, and outreach The Role The Chief Banking Officer will provide strategic leadership across core business lines, including: Retail Banking Marketing Private Banking / Wealth Future Treasury Management expansion This individual will oversee approximately half of the organization and play a key role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and developing high-performing teams. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute strategies to drive deposit growth and market expansion Partner with executive leadership on annual goals and performance targets Lead and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations Strengthen a relationship-driven, customer-first culture Oversee branch operations, customer experience, and sales performance Partner with commercial lending to deepen client and treasury relationships Lead growth of private banking / wealth services Build strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations Ensure strong operational discipline, compliance, and risk management Market Coverage This role supports a 9-location footprint across: Core markets in Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls Additional locations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin The position requires a visible leadership presence , with travel across a regional footprint (~75-100 mile radius). What We're Looking For 10+ years of leadership experience in banking or financial services Proven success in strategic growth, team leadership, and business development Strong understanding of retail and commercial banking operations Experience leading across multiple branches or regions Executive presence with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style Strong relationship-building skills internally and externally Culture Fit (Critical) This is a community banking environment : Relationship-driven vs. transactional High visibility in the local community Collaborative, family-oriented culture Leaders are expected to be present, engaged, and involved Candidates from larger institutions are welcome but must be able to adapt to a relationship-focused, community-first approach . #J-18808-Ljbffr