Job Information
FIRST FEDERAL Branch Operations Manager in Bellingham, Washington
Who We Are
First Fed is a local community bank on an exciting growth trajectory with 18 locations including 12 full-service branches in Western Washington. First Fed was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace for the last 3 years and a Top Corporate Philanthropist in 2023. By popular vote, First Fed received 2023 awards for Best Bank in The Best of the Northwest, Best Banker in Readers' Choice by Cascadia Daily News, and Peninsula Daily News named us Best Bank on the Olympic Peninsula. We also received a Best-In-State bank award from Forbes in 2021.
For over 100 years First Fed has served our customers and communities throughout the PNW. We've donated over $9 million to non-profit organizations in the past 8 years through our foundations, sponsorships, direct donations, and matched employee donations. Our amazing team has volunteered over 25,000 hours in the past 5 years -- many by using our benefit of 3 paid volunteer days per year!
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds -- our diversity makes us stronger. Join our award-winning team!
Our Values
Optimism: We are positive and decisive. We believe the future will be better than the past. Our attitude demonstrates persistence which leads to success.
Initiative: We are self-starters and find innovative solutions. We are courageous, entrepreneurial, and passionate. We take action for good.
Respect: We include individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. We are committed to honoring and serving others.
Growth: We learn and adapt so we can continually improve. We believe in personal growth through grit and determination.
Ownership: We are invested in our endeavors. We are accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
Position Purpose
The Branch Operations Manager is responsible for planning, administering, and coordinating branch operations while ensuring full compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This role focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies and improving both internal and external customer experience. It involves developing and routinely updating branch policies and procedures, providing training to branch teams on current procedures and best practices, and facilitating effective communication among Community Banking Branches. Additionally, the position supports a customer-centric, sales-driven culture aimed at building long-term relationships.
Essential Functions
Customer and Employee Experience
- Drive initiatives that positively impact the customer and employee experience.
- Constantly seeks more effective and innovative operational methods through collaboration with branch teams and internal support partners. Explores automation and technology solutions and continually advances branch operational systems for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Update and communicate procedural changes to ensure consistency and clarity.
- Recommend and implement enhancements to systems and processes that advance company goals.
- Ensure adherence to operational policies and controls, including branch deposit, non-deposit, and consumer lending operations.
- Conduct internal reviews of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (including the Bank Secrecy Act) to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Auditing & Reporting
Develop staffing model reviews and provide recommendations to Community leadership.
Perform periodic branch audits and support Internal Audit reviews to identify training opportunities and improve compliance adherence.
Oversee the balancing of business line General Ledgers (GL) and analyze quarterly audits to ensure accuracy an