Branch Manager I

Position: Branch Manager I

Reports To: City, Area or Regional Executive

Reports To This Position: All Branch Personnel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Role Summary:

Responsible for managerial oversight and operational effectiveness of a Southern Bank branch office. Plan and administer branch staffing and operations, per Bank policy, to meet assigned income, growth and quality goals.

Specific Job Functions (Duties/Responsibilities):

• Establish individual sales and service goals for branch staff per assigned branch income, growth and quality goals.

• Oversee branch operating and capital budgets, and report/manage variances. Maintain an active role in the Bank's annual budget planning process through the development of yearly branch budget.

• Exercise the usual authority of a manager concerning hiring, performance planning, coaching and performance improvement plans and reviews, as well as pay, promotion, and termination recommendations.

• Stay informed of and use/enforce Southern Bank customer service, loan and deposit, operational, security and safety policies and procedures.

• Oversee and direct the daily operations functions within the branch by determining workflow and assignments.

• Sales and Service Management responsibilities

• Conduct weekly staff sales and service meetings to keep staff informed, prepared and engaged relative to sales/service delivery performance/goals/expectations.

• Manage all delivery channels to customers, including loan applications, deposit opening/servicing, and teller servicing, to ensure service levels are maintained or exceeded.

• Manage customer problems and complaints; counsel customers with special needs or requests.

• Personally model sales/service. As an active Loan Officer, proactively cross-sell and/or refer Southern Bank's products and services.

• Coach, develop, and inspire staff to maximize their sales/service potential.

• Business Development Responsibilities

• Contact customers and prospects regularly to establish or strengthen client relationships.

• Establish loan and business development goals with Supervisor.

• Solicit and approve loans with assigned authority, and present recommendations to appropriate authority for higher amounts.

• Insure all loans made or rejected comply with laws and regulations.

• Administer rates fairly and price accordingly to Bank policy for risk and credit quality.

• Proactively manage loan portfolio to ensure a minimum of delinquencies, substandard loans and documentation exceptions.

• Represent Southern Bank in public relations activities and community affairs.

• Serve as the bank representative in the community. Actively participate in community events and organizations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:

• Thorough knowledge of all Southern Bank deposit, small business, mortgage and consumer loan products.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in all Branch service delivery roles.
• Ability to analyze, underwrite, document and approve or decline loan requests.
• Sales and Service Skills. Knowledge of bank products and services sufficient to identify and fill customer and prospect needs, conduct effective sales/service dialogue, and/or refer qualified business opportunities.
• Strong sales and coaching skills.
• Knowledge of the local community-industries, economic base, culture, key leaders, competitors, etc.
• Sales and Service leadership capabilities. Effective sales management and coaching skills. Good role model with motivational and/or training skills and abilities.
• Team oriented yet entrepreneurial style that looks at the branch as a stand-alone franchise while recognizing the need to work within corporate standards and guidelines.
• Ability to quickly gain credibility as a leader - i.e. ability to "sell" himself/herself to internal peers and employees to get cooperation necessary to achieve goals.
• Focus/desire to provide excellent customer services.
• Ability to implement and maintain appropriate procedures and policies to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to speak with confidence one-on-one and in group meetings and presentations.
• Ability to work with no direct supervision.
• Ability to think and act independently within guidelines and limitations of Bank policy and assigned authority.
• Presents a professional, business-like manner and appearance.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Five years or more of financial services, relevant customer service, and lending experience.
• Ability to recognize and focus on critical sales and service delivery issues. Ability to balance and respond to competing role and organizational needs.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate effectively across a broad base of internal/external customers.
• Capable user of Southern Bank computer systems and technology, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet and internal software.