Branch Manager

German American State Bank, a bank of Foresight Financial Group, Inc. a holding company for six community banks in Stephenson, Winnebago, and Kankakee counties is currently seeking a full-time Branch Manager in our Winnebago branch to provide outstanding service and sales of all retail and business banking products as well as provide input and support to the marketing efforts of such products. This position reports to the President/Chief Executive Officer.

In this challenging position, you will have the opportunity to develop new and maintain long-lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, resolve customer issues, engage them to understand their financial needs and provide thoughtful solutions. You will generate leads and uncover new streams of revenue within existing relationships by engaging in prepared calls on customers and prospects. You will also be responsible for the management of the Winnebago branch facilities. This person should have a proven ability to multitask, remain flexible, and work independently.

Position Summary:

Responsible for the management of the assigned branch facilities. Provides outstanding service and sales of all retail and business banking products as well as provides input and support to the marketing efforts of such products. Coaches retail staff to meet business development goals. Develops new and maintains long-lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, resolving customer issues, engaging them to understand their financial needs and providing thoughtful solutions. Generates leads and uncovers new streams of revenue within existing relationships by engaging in prepared calls on customers and prospects.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops, cultivates and grows customer relationships in target markets by soliciting and assisting customers in their selection of various accounts and financial services while cross-selling the various Bank products and services; performs a thorough needs assessment to understand and offer appropriate products and services.
• Opens, maintains, and closes all types of accounts while promoting business for the Bank by maintaining good customer relations and referring customers to the appropriate staff when necessary; reviews all loan and deposit documentation with customers to ensure their understanding of products.
• Responsible for consumer lending by interviewing applicants, gathering appropriate credit application information, explaining loan products including rates, terms, and collateral requirements, obtaining credit reports, underwriting loans in compliance with Bank policies, procedures, and regulations, communicating final credit decision to applicant, and closing the loan with the applicant when applicable. Collect costs incurred on withdrawn or denied applications.
• Review overdraft report daily and make return decisions.
• Manages and services a consumer loan portfolio; performs loan servicing activities by pursuing the collection of any delinquent account immediately and formulates actions plans to remedy delinquent or past due loans.
• Follows up on any open documentation exceptions or tickler items such as insurance and collateral exceptions.
• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of retail consumer and small business products/services including all types of deposit accounts, consumer loan products, IRA’s, and cash management products and ensures staff is knowledgeable and proficient in the sales of such products.
• Calls on prospects and customers to generate new deposit and loan opportunities for the Bank.
• Provides recommendations to and coordinates with Marketing and Management on product development, pricing, promotion, advertising, and merchandising. Recommends new products and consumer loan programs and evaluates existing programs for greater profit potential.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of assigned branch including managing the safety and security of the branch facility and staff.
• Supervises, coaches, and sets performance standards; gives ongoing feedback and conducts effective performance appraisals for assigned staff if applicable.
• Provides and promotes excellent customer service with a friendly demeanor, can-do attitude, and willingness to help at all times.
• Establishes close working relationships with loan officers (Mortgage, Commercial, Ag) and investment partner, referring customers when appropriate to provide timely financial solutions.
• Provides guidance to Personal Bankers, Universal Bankers and Tellers with respect to regulations, documentation, procedures, and product knowledge along with assisting with complex transactions.
• Promotes and participates in a sales and service culture consistent with the Bank’s business plan goals by coaching and educating retail staff on banking products.
• Ensures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures and all applicable state and federal banking laws, rules and regulations including Bank Secrecy Act and Anti Money Laundering to assist management in monitoring for suspicious activity, money laundering, or other illegal customer activity. Responsible for the collection and verification of identifiable information in accordance with the PATRIOT Act when opening new accounts.
• Participates in civic and community activities to generate visibility and contact for the bank.
• Completes administrative tasks; supporting the Bank’s goals and values as assigned.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competencies:

Leadership: Provides strong leadership, sets a good example, skilled decision maker, is approachable and is a subject matter expert in their area of expertise.

Customer Service: Champions superior treatment of customers by responding promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments; and manages difficult or emotional customer situations.

Business Development: Utilizes networking, product and industry knowledge and customer service skills to achieve and exceed approved budget; proactively initiates new contacts; Uses persistence and persuasion to overcome objections; Upholds highest level of customer satisfaction; Maintains accurate records and submits needed information promptly.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Initiative: Motivated and driven by achieving or surpassing expectations, proactively identifying efficiencies, learning new products and improving delivery of customer service.

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Maintains Integrity; Accepts responsibility for own actions.

Technical: Basic PC/Windows, Microsoft Products, and Jack Henry knowledge. Self-user and promoter of e-banking suite of services. Basic knowledge of banking products, services, policies, procedures and regulations. Basic knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act and all other relative regulations and laws.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, filing cabinets and fax machines. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member 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 manual dexterity. The Team Member must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle. While performing the duties of this Job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Position Performance Standards:

• Meet annual loan and deposit growth goals.
• Complete expected number of prospect calls per month.
• Successfully execute retail initiatives and meet initiative goals as agreed.
• Maintain exterior and interior branch facilities ensuring a safe, pleasant work environment and positive customer experience.

Performance Weightings:

30% Competencies

60% Position Performance Standards

10% Personal Goals

Qualifications:

HS Diploma/equivalent required. Associates degree in communications or business preferred. Minimum 2-3 years prior experience in a retail banking role required. Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regionally, as needed.

German American State Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.