I frequently hear lamentations about the gap between the performance expectations of community financial institution (FI) personnel and performance results. A frequent challenge is that performance expectations are not documented in the form of job descriptions. Instead, expectations are often trapped between the ears of the supervisor or senior management.

This post is geared toward drafting a job description of the FI branch manager. Although I am not an HR expert, I am often engaged in discussions with FI senior management teams on what they expect from the person occupying this position. The job description does not include qualifications or compensation, as each FI can assess what is needed based on their own expectations.

Summary of Responsibilities:  Relationship management… Develop relationships with the branch’s most profitable customers. Relationships should include knowledge of the customers’ banking needs and their service expectations from their FI, evaluation of customer product use to determine optimal product utilization, and routine customer contact. The objective is a level of customer satisfaction that increases customer loyalty based on service and relationship, not price/rate.

Product knowledge and expertise… Develop and maintain significant knowledge of FI product offerings, with an emphasis on products most needed by the branch’s target customers as per the demographic profile of the area surrounding the branch and the FI’s strategic focus. Develop and maintain financial acumen in customer balance sheet and cash flow management to assist customers achieve financial success. The objective is to establish the branch manager as the subject matter expert of bank products within the branch market.

Community relations… Become the primary community representative by joining a minimum of two community organizations with an emphasis on those where the FI’s target customers are likely to participate. Volunteer for a leadership position in at least one. The objective is to promote community involvement consistent with the FI’s strategy and to expand the branch manager’s relationships for future business development activities.

Business development… Grow branch customers at a pace faster than general market growth that is consistent with the FI’s strategy. Manage branch business development efforts that include, but is not limited to, in-branch sales, outbound calling, prospect visitations, direct mail, branch-specific social media activities, etc.

Supervision… Supervise branch staff. Set performance expectations based on job descriptions and capabilities. Coach staff to exceed expectations. Manage staff training to include compliance, operations, and sales/product knowledge. Perform routine performance evaluations. Position subordinates to succeed within the FI. Coordinate with HR for developing optimal staffing levels, modifying job descriptions based on changing expectations, and filling open positions. Address performance deficiencies of subordinates.

Branch operations… Manage branch operations activities such as efficient and compliant transaction processing, correct and compliant account opening and closing, branch/teller cash, etc. Branch manager is not expected to perform these duties. Rather, the branch manager will supervise staff that performs duties and receives regular assessment on the operations of the branch from the branch operations manager and outside sources such as Audit and Compliance departments. Branch manager is responsible for the overall appearance of the branch, ensuring it is consistent with the image the FI wishes to present based on its strategy. Responsibilities include the branch physical plant. Again, the branch manager is not expected to perform these duties, but supervise personnel to ensure that they are satisfactorily discharged. The objective is for the branch to operate smoothly so branch staff has greater availability to deliver service that is noticeably better than the competition, and for sales activities.

Branch profitability… Branch manager is responsible for the overall profitability of the branch, and to establish a positive profit trend that is consistent with the FI’s overall strategy.

Other duties as assigned.

What did I miss?

~ Jeff