Branch Operations Specialist

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Universal Banker III to join our dedicated retail banking team in Brea, CA. This is a premier branch leadership role that combines high-touch client advisory, robust operational oversight, and daily team mentorship.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to both consumer and business clients, delivering tailored financial solutions while supporting business development efforts and fostering a performance-driven team culture. Operating as a cornerstone of the branch, this individual will ensure strict adherence to regulatory compliance while maintaining a distinct, client-first service standard.

• Financial Advisory:
  Provide personalized financial advice to consumer and business clients, recommending deposit structures, products, and services that align with their long-term financial goals.
• Portfolio Deepening:
  Proactively expand existing relationships by identifying opportunities to cross-sell checking accounts, savings vehicles, certificates of deposit (CDs), IRAs, and lending or trust solutions.
• Commercial Client Support:
  Assist business clients with specialized commercial needs, facilitating initial coordination for Treasury Management, Remote Deposit Capture (RDC), courier setup, and armored transport services.
• Market Networking:
  Represent the branch at local San Mateo community and networking events to build market visibility, drive local deposit growth, and attract new relationships.
• Account Architecture:
  Manage the full lifecycle of complex consumer and business account opening and maintenance in strict compliance with internal bank policies and external regulatory frameworks.
• Risk Mitigation:
  Enforce rigorous standards for Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Information Security protocols across daily transactions.
• Transactional Oversight:
  Review and authorize large or complex transactions, monitor daily branch ledger reports, and maintain robust fraud prevention controls.
• Audit Readiness:
  Maintain constant audit readiness by ensuring branch security procedures, compliance documentation, and physical vault/drawer standards are consistently upheld.
• Staff Development:
  Provide daily mentorship, training, and operational support to junior bankers and tellers to promote professional growth, teamwork, and service excellence.
• Strategic Partnership:
  Partner closely with the Branch Manager to execute performance initiatives, meet localized sales goals, and coordinate community outreach efforts.
• Escalation Resolution:
  Lead by example in resolving complex client needs, maintaining tact, diplomacy, and high-touch service during high-impact problem-solving scenarios.

• CRA Participation:
  Participate in paid community volunteer hours annually to support local causes, contributing to the Bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiatives in San Mateo and the surrounding San Mateo County region.
• Other Duties:
  Perform additional branch operations or administrative duties as assigned by leadership.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 3 years of retail banking experience within a financial institution, encompassing comprehensive teller operations and new account documentation.
• Relationship Management:
  Proven ability to seamlessly manage and deepen both consumer and business banking relationships.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  Deep understanding of branch security procedures, consumer lending compliance, regulatory frameworks, and audit controls.
• Certifications:
  
  Notary Public certification is highly preferred (or a willingness to obtain it within the first year of employment).
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with modern core banking applications and the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Core Competencies:
  
  Exceptional interpersonal skills, an analytical approach to fraud prevention, and a collaborative mindset capable of guiding junior staff in a fast-paced retail environment.