Executive Leadership Opportunity | $300M+ Montana-Based Credit Union
Base Salary: Starting at $100,000+ annually DOE, plus bonus and incentive compensation opportunities
Employment Type: Full-time, exempt
Travel: Approximately 40–50% throughout the Credit Union’s Montana branch network
The Opportunity
A Montana-based credit union with more than $300 million in assets is seeking an experienced Vice President of Retail Banking Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across a network of six or more branches located in three Montana communities.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will be responsible for the overall performance, consistency, leadership, and continued development of the Credit Union’s retail branch network and member-facing growth initiatives.
The Credit Union is making a deliberate investment in strengthening retail leadership, branch performance, leadership development, operational consistency, and long-term growth. This position offers an experienced financial-services executive the opportunity to help shape the future direction of retail operations while remaining closely connected to branch employees, members, and the communities the Credit Union serves.
The VP of Retail Banking Operations will balance enterprise-level strategy with visible, hands-on leadership. The successful candidate will understand how to lead geographically dispersed teams, develop strong branch leaders, establish clear performance expectations, use operational data effectively, and guide employees through organizational and operational change.
Candidates must have at least 10 years of progressive operations experience within a credit union, retail bank, or a combination of both. Demonstrated experience leading multi-branch retail operations is preferred.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive and Strategic Leadership
- Report directly to the CEO and serve as a member of the Credit Union’s executive leadership team.
- Partner with the CEO and other executive leaders to establish and execute strategic organizational priorities.
- Translate organizational goals into clear retail strategies, operating plans, and measurable performance expectations.
- Provide informed recommendations regarding branch performance, staffing, member experience, market opportunities, service delivery, and future growth.
- Lead organizational and operational change by building understanding, strengthening alignment, and driving adoption throughout the retail network.
- Maintain a visible executive presence within branch locations and the Montana communities the Credit Union serves.
Retail Branch Operations
- Provide executive leadership and oversight for six branches across three Montana communities.
- Establish consistent operating expectations, service standards, performance measures, and accountability across all branch locations.
- Evaluate branch workflows, processes, staffing practices, procedures, and resource allocation to improve operational effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to standardize practices while recognizing the distinct needs of individual communities and markets.
- Use branch-level KPIs, financial results, service data, member feedback, and operational reporting to identify trends and improve performance.
- Ensure branch leaders have the tools, information, direction, and support necessary to successfully manage their locations.
Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead, coach, develop, and support branch leaders and retail employees.
- Build a culture centered on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, sound decision-making, and service excellence.
- Establish clear leadership expectations and strengthen communication throughout the retail organization.
- Identify high-potential employees and create development opportunities that strengthen the Credit Union’s leadership pipeline.
- Support succession planning for critical retail leadership positions.
- Recruit and retain qualified retail leaders and employees as organizational needs evolve.
Member Experience and Sustainable Growth
- Champion a consistent, relationship-focused member experience across all branch locations.
- Promote a consultative approach that helps employees understand and respond to members’ financial needs.
- Support responsible membership, deposit, lending, and relationship growth.
- Strengthen community relationships and local market engagement throughout the Credit Union’s service area.
- Monitor member feedback and service trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure growth strategies remain aligned with the Credit Union’s mission, values, risk standards, and commitment to member advocacy.
Operational Performance and Continuous Improvement
- Develop and monitor meaningful retail performance measures and accountability standards.
- Use operational, financial, sales, service, and workforce data to support executive decision-making.
- Identify performance gaps and work with branch leaders to develop practical improvement plans.
- Lead process-improvement initiatives that strengthen efficiency, consistency, member service, and employee effectiveness.
- Evaluate existing practices and recommend technology, workflow, training, or structural improvements when appropriate.
- Ensure operational changes are implemented consistently and sustained across the branch network.
Compliance, Controls, and Risk Management
- Ensure retail operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Maintain strong controls related to branch operations, cash management, fraud prevention, physical security, member information, and operational risk.
- Partner effectively with compliance, risk management, internal audit, external auditors, examiners, and other internal stakeholders.
- Ensure identified operational concerns are addressed promptly, consistently, and appropriately.
- Promote a culture in which compliance and risk management are integrated into everyday operations and decision-making.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive operations experience within a credit union, retail bank, or a combination of both.
- Demonstrated experience leading operations across multiple retail banking or credit union branches.
- Experience managing branch managers, regional leaders, or other retail financial-services leaders.
- Strong knowledge of branch operations, member or customer service, financial-services products, operational controls, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated success improving operational performance, standardizing practices, and strengthening accountability.
- Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, or operational transformation initiatives.
- Ability to interpret and use financial, operational, sales, service, and workforce metrics to guide decisions.
- Strong executive communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Ability and willingness to travel approximately 40–50% between branch locations and communities throughout the Credit Union’s service area.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Executive or senior leadership experience within a credit union, community bank, or regional retail banking organization.
- Experience working directly with a CEO and executive leadership team.
- Experience communicating with or presenting to a board of directors.
- Experience supporting organizational growth, market expansion, branch optimization, or technology-related operational change.
- Knowledge of both deposit and consumer lending operations.
- Credit union industry education, leadership credentials, or relevant professional certifications.
Leadership Profile
The successful candidate will be:
- Strategic enough to help shape organizational direction and practical enough to improve execution.
- A visible and accessible leader who builds trust across locations and organizational levels.
- Skilled at developing leaders rather than simply directing their work.
- Comfortable establishing clear expectations and holding individuals and teams accountable.
- Collaborative and relationship-focused while remaining willing to make difficult decisions.
- Effective at influencing change and building support across a geographically dispersed organization.
- Committed to integrity, sound judgment, member advocacy, and community service.
The Credit Union offers a competitive executive compensation and benefits package that includes:
- Base salary starting at $100,000+ annually DOE
- Bonus and incentive compensation opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement and 401(k) benefits
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development and executive leadership growth opportunities
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on members and Montana communities
Work Environment and Travel
This is a Montana-based executive leadership position requiring regular in-person involvement throughout the Credit Union’s branch network.
Approximately 40–50% travel is expected between six or more branch locations across three Montana communities. Occasional evening or weekend attendance at community, board, employee, or organizational events may also be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Credit Union is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: From $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Credit Union Operations: 10 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Montana: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
