Description:
Branch Manager in Training
Department: Member Services
Reports to: Director of Retail Operations
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, In-Person
Effective: August 2026
Overview:
The Branch Manager in Training position is a structured leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential employees for future Branch Manager assignments. Through rotational training, project leadership, and progressive responsibility, participants develop the knowledge and experience necessary to independently lead a GHS branch.
During the program, the employee will complete structured learning experiences in branch operations, consumer lending, member services, compliance, business development, coaching, and leadership. As competencies are demonstrated, responsibilities will expand until the employee is prepared to assume full responsibility for managing a branch.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
As training milestones are successfully completed, the employee will progressively assume the responsibilities outlined below under the guidance of branch and retail leadership.
Management Development Timeline:
The Branch Manager in Training program is designed to be completed in approximately 18 months, with progression based on demonstrated competency, business needs, and Branch Manager openings.
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Phase 1 – Foundations (Months 1–3): Complete structured rotations through key branch functions to build a strong operational foundation.
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Phase 2 – Supervised Leadership (Months 4–6): Apply operational knowledge while developing leadership skills under the guidance of an experienced Branch Manager.
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Phase 3 – Acting Branch Manager (Months 7–9): Assume increasing responsibility for branch leadership through manager coverage assignments and expanded decision-making authority.
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Phase 4 – Branch-Ready / Placement (Months 10–12): Demonstrate readiness for independent branch leadership through successful completion of required training, competency evaluations, and leadership approval.
Branch Operations and Leadership
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Develop proficiency in branch operations, consumer lending, regulatory compliance, staffing, scheduling, and branch administration through observation, participation, and progressively assigned responsibilities.
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Assist with daily branch operations under the guidance of Branch Managers and senior leadership while developing sound operational judgment and decision-making skills.
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Progressively assume greater responsibility for operational oversight and branch leadership as competencies are demonstrated.
Team Development
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Build positive working relationships while consistently demonstrating GHS core values in all interactions.
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Participate in employee coaching, performance discussions, hiring, onboarding, and leadership activities to develop effective management skills.
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Foster a collaborative, engaged, and member-focused team environment while developing the ability to coach, mentor, and support employee growth.
Member Service and Business Development
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Deliver exceptional member service while identifying opportunities to strengthen member relationships through appropriate financial solutions.
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Participate in sales initiatives, business development, and community outreach activities that support branch growth and membership.
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Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to delivering a positive member experience in every interaction.
Manager Coverage and Acting Supervisor Duties
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Provide acting Branch Manager coverage during planned and unplanned Branch Manager absences, including PTO, illness, training, and off-site meetings, which may involve traveling to and working at different branch locations as business needs require.
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During assigned coverage, perform branch opening and closing procedures, oversee daily operations, coordinate staffing and scheduling, approve transactions and overrides within assigned authority, resolve member escalations, and ensure compliance with credit union policies and regulatory requirements.
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Progressively assume increasing leadership responsibility, beginning with short planned absences and advancing to extended or unplanned coverage, multi-branch support, and full Acting Branch Manager responsibilities as competencies are demonstrated.
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Participate in employee coaching, performance discussions, hiring activities, and corrective action in partnership with the Director of Retail Operations and Human Resources until authorized to independently perform these responsibilities.
Performance Expectations:
Success in this position will be measured through successful completion of the management development program, demonstration of leadership competencies, operational proficiency, and consistent alignment with GHS values and service standards. Performance expectations include:
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Consistently demonstrate GHS core values and service standards in all member and employee interactions.
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Successfully complete all assigned rotational assignments, training, coursework, and competency assessments.
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Demonstrate increasing proficiency in branch operations, consumer lending, member service, compliance, and leadership responsibilities.
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Apply credit union policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements accurately and consistently.
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Build collaborative working relationships across departments while contributing to a positive team environment.
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Participate in coaching opportunities, staff meetings, leadership discussions, and employee development activities.
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Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and a willingness to assume increasing responsibility throughout the program.
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Provide timely, professional, and responsive service to members, teammates, and business partners.
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Maintain confidentiality of member, employee, and business information.
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Demonstrate professionalism through appearance, communication, organization, and attention to detail.
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Maintain accurate, organized, and compliant documentation.
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Contribute to a welcoming branch environment where members are acknowledged promptly and served efficiently.
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Demonstrate readiness for independent Branch Manager responsibilities through successful completion of program milestones and leadership evaluations.
Program Completion and Placement
Successful completion of the Branch Manager in Training program requires satisfactory completion of all assigned coursework, training, rotational assignments, competency assessments, and leadership evaluations. Completion of the program does not guarantee immediate placement into a Branch Manager position. Placement is contingent upon business needs, demonstrated readiness, and the availability of a Branch Manager opening.
Requirements:
Experience:
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Three to five years of banking or credit union experience preferred, with progressively increasing responsibilities.
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Minimum of two years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
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Experience leading teams to achieve service, operational, and sales goals.
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Experience in consumer lending, branch operations, and member relationship development preferred.
Education:
One of the following is preferred:
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Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field; or
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Associate degree plus four years of supervisory or leadership experience; or
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High school diploma plus five years of banking or credit union experience, including four years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Interpersonal Skills:
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Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
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Excellent relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment when interacting with members, employees, and community partners.
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Ability to influence and engage others while fostering trust and accountability.
Technical and Professional Skills:
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Working knowledge of branch operations, consumer lending, deposit products, member services, and applicable credit union policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to develop increasing proficiency throughout the management development program.
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Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office, credit union operating systems, and related technology, along with strong mathematical, data entry, and documentation skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively while demonstrating sound judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
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Willingness and ability to travel between branch locations to participate in rotational assignments, provide management coverage, and support business needs.
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Must obtain and maintain registration under the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act), including Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) registration, if required for assigned lending responsibilities.
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Willingness to obtain Notary Public certification within one year of appointment to a Branch Manager position.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position requires both sitting and standing for extended periods of time. The use of fingers, hands and arms is regularly needed for keying, the use of calculators, typing, counting money and other tasks outlined in the essential duties. Regular communication by talking and listening to members and employees is required. Periodic lifting up to thirty (30) lbs. and occasional lifting up to fifty (50) lbs. may be required. Stooping, crouching and/or kneeling may be needed on occasion. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Employee is required to contribute to a positive work environment and demonstrate the credit union brand of "The Relationship of a Lifetime" by demonstrating our Service Standards of customer focus with positivity, personal ownership and accountability, clear communications and responsiveness. Collaboration, consistency, respect, trust and demonstration of integrity are some of the professional behaviors regularly required.
