Position:  Branch Manager I                                                                                                                                                                             

Reports To: City, Area or Regional Executive

Reports To This Position:  All Branch Personnel

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Role Summary:   

Responsible for managerial oversight and operational effectiveness of a Southern Bank branch office. Plan and administer branch staffing and operations, per Bank policy, to meet assigned income, growth and quality goals.  

Specific Job Functions (Duties/Responsibilities):

• Establish individual sales and service goals for branch staff per assigned branch income, growth and quality goals.
• Oversee branch operating and capital budgets, and report/manage variances.  Maintain an active role in the Bank’s annual budget planning process through the development of yearly branch budget.
• Exercise the usual authority of a manager concerning hiring, performance planning, coaching and performance improvement plans and reviews, as well as pay, promotion, and termination recommendations.  
• Stay informed of and use/enforce Southern Bank customer service, loan and deposit, operational, security and safety policies and procedures.
• Oversee and direct the daily operations functions within the branch by determining workflow and assignments.
• Sales and Service Management responsibilities
  • Conduct weekly staff sales and service meetings to keep staff informed, prepared and engaged relative to sales/service delivery performance/goals/expectations.
  • Manage all delivery channels to customers, including loan applications, deposit opening/servicing, and teller servicing, to ensure service levels are maintained or exceeded.
  • Manage customer problems and complaints; counsel customers with special needs or requests.
  • Personally model sales/service.  As an active Loan Officer, proactively cross-sell and/or refer Southern Bank’s products and services.
  • Coach, develop, and inspire staff to maximize their sales/service potential.
• Business Development Responsibilities
  • Contact customers and prospects regularly to establish or strengthen client relationships.
  • Establish loan and business development goals with Supervisor.
  • Solicit and approve loans with assigned authority, and present recommendations to appropriate authority for higher amounts.
  • Insure all loans made or rejected comply with laws and regulations.
  • Administer rates fairly and price accordingly to Bank policy for risk and credit quality.
  • Proactively manage loan portfolio to ensure a minimum of delinquencies, substandard loans and documentation exceptions.
  • Represent Southern Bank in public relations activities and community affairs.
  • Serve as the bank representative in the community.  Actively participate in community events and organizations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:

• Thorough knowledge of all Southern Bank deposit, small business, mortgage and consumer loan products.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in all Branch service delivery roles.
• Ability to analyze, underwrite, document and approve or decline loan requests.
• Sales and Service Skills.  Knowledge of bank products and services sufficient to identify and fill customer and prospect needs, conduct effective sales/service dialogue, and/or refer qualified business opportunities.
• Strong sales and coaching skills.
• Knowledge of the local community-industries, economic base, culture, key leaders, competitors, etc.
• Sales and Service leadership capabilities. Effective sales management and coaching skills. Good role model with motivational and/or training skills and abilities.
• Team oriented yet entrepreneurial style that looks at the branch as a stand-alone franchise while recognizing the need to work within corporate standards and guidelines.
• Ability to quickly gain credibility as a leader – i.e. ability to “sell” himself/herself to internal peers and employees to get cooperation necessary to achieve goals.
• Focus/desire to provide excellent customer services.
• Ability to implement and maintain appropriate procedures and policies to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to speak with confidence one-on-one and in group meetings and presentations.
• Ability to work with no direct supervision.
• Ability to think and act independently within guidelines and limitations of Bank policy and assigned authority.
• Presents a professional, business-like manner and appearance.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Five years or more of financial services, relevant customer service, and lending experience.
• Ability to recognize and focus on critical sales and service delivery issues.  Ability to balance and respond to competing role and organizational needs.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate effectively across a broad base of internal/external customers.
• Capable user of Southern Bank computer systems and technology, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet and internal software.