Chief Operating Officer (COO

Chief Operating Officer

Compensation:
Base Salary $190K - $300K plus bonus

Location:

Minnetonka, Eagan, Sioux Falls are preferred (Other locations are possible)

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by our client to recruit for a Chief Operating Officer to join their team. Our client is a community banking organization seeking an operational leader who can help drive sustainable growth, strengthen business processes, minimize risk, and support a consistent, high-quality customer experience. Reporting to the Bank President/CEO, this leader will oversee operational planning, policy development, budgeting, resource deployment, change management, process improvement, and cross-functional execution across the organization.

The COO will also serve as a member of senior-level bank governing committees and partner closely with executive leadership to translate strategy into measurable operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of operational policies, processes, and priorities under the guidance of the CEO.
• Partner with executive leadership to translate strategic vision into operational goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainable business plans.
• Study, assess, and optimize business processes to improve operational efficiency, service quality, profitability, and organizational performance.
• Oversee complex initiatives focused on workflow improvement, cross-functional execution, operational excellence, and business readiness.
• Evaluate resource deployment, technology needs, software and hardware configurations, and related operational performance considerations.
• Assess and communicate operational risks to auditors, regulators, senior management, and the Board of Directors as appropriate.
• Establish tools and processes to collect relevant data, define KPIs, and use performance metrics to drive process improvement.
• Develop operating budgets and support effective operational policies and procedures aligned with business objectives.
• Provide strategic oversight for change management initiatives and new business process implementation.
• Participate in senior-level governing committees including Funds Management, Risk Management, Planning, Technology Steering Committee, Product Team, Program Management, and Bank Management.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, IT, or related field.
• 8-10 years of related experience, including progressive leadership experience in operations.
• Strong background in operational planning, policy development, resource planning, risk management, and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change management and operational improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively with senior managers, supervisors, department leaders, and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing organizational priorities and align departmental strategies to broader business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, IT, or related field.
• Experience in a community bank or similar-sized institution.
• Working knowledge of payments systems, payments processing, and related controls.
• Familiarity with core banking systems and digital banking platforms.
• Strong digital transformation expertise.
• Experience with organizational goal planning and objective setting.
• Continuous improvement, operational excellence, work process design, and process improvement experience.
• Ability to think holistically across departments and teams to solve complex problems.

Benefits:

• Stock option
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K with employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Executive-level benefits and professional development opportunities

About Lakeside HR Group:
At Lakeside HR Group, we understand that finding the right job is essential for your career success. We are a boutique-style human resources consulting and recruiting firm dedicated to providing personalized, tailored solutions. When you partner with us, you are not just getting a recruiter; you are getting the entire Lakeside team working together to support your career goals. Partner with us at Lakeside HR Group, where we are more than just a recruiting firm;

we are your partners in achieving your career aspirations.