The primary role of the Division Manager is to grow the business of WaFd Bank through directly and indirectly managing the retail deposit and lending operations of the branch offices assigned to the Division. The Division Manager will be an ambassador for the bank by participating in a variety of public events, community organizations, and speaking engagements designed to promote WaFd Bank. The position is responsible for the Division's production and profitability with significant focus on being a hands-on coach and mentor for Branch Managers and retail banking staff and will coordinate business development support from various administrative functions. The Division Manager will act as an intermediary with consumer underwriter(s); on occasion, lending approval authority may be granted to this position.

Secondarily, the Division Manager will coordinate and support business acquisition and referral efforts by working in a matrix management alignment with Commercial Real Estate, Business Banking, Small Business Banking and Wholesale. Finally, the ideal candidate will display WaFd Bank's corporate values of integrity, teamwork, ownership, simplicity and service and is proud of the high value that we all place on simply being kind when serving our colleagues and clients.

Directly and consistently teach, coach and motivate retail banking colleagues, especially Branch Managers, leveraging corporate training resources provided, to realize consumer and small business loan and deposit production goals for the division.
• Assist in developing networks of referral sources to source new business for the Division.
• Ensure execution of retail banking calling programs designed to effectively nurture existing and potential client relationships.
• Commit to visible and consistent involvement in local communities, to include but not limited to non-profits volunteering, director/board service and participation in relevant industry associations.
• Promote productive relationships between retail colleagues, administrative functions and Commercial and Small Business Banking.
• Review and monitor Division expenses for adherence to prescribed Company guidelines and other financial metrics.
• Support client experience and marketing initiatives by creating business development tactics and strategies for maximizing the impact of limited resources spread across Division sub-markets
• Drive a culture of employee engagement and accountability by encouraging positive staff morale, communicating effectively to all retail staff, establishing production goals, and holding staff accountable for performance and adherence to the corporate culture.
• Act as the primary communication link between the Regional President and retail colleagues within the Division.
• Promptly and fairly address performance related issues; monitor and ensure timely completion of annual performance reviews; create and maintain staff development plans; and ensure eLearning and certification courses are completed on time.
• Coach to successful performance by Division offices in the WaFd Bank Cup and Retail Bonus Incentive programs, emphasizing relationship banking while promoting an effective needs-based sales culture.
• Promote WaFd Bank's key strategic initiatives, including driving growth in commercial banking and core transaction accounts.
• Optimize staffing to achieve production and profitability goals and ensure facilities are maintained in good working order at all times.
• Other job duties as assigned by the Regional President.

Education/Skills/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in business related major preferred, or equivalent experience in a lending institution.
• Ability to demonstrate extensive knowledge of consumer mortgage lending and custom construction lending with preferred knowledge of commercial banking (CRE, C&I and SBB)
• Proven aptitude for coaching direct reports to success and resolving conflict constructively and in accordance with company policies.
• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to professionally deal with colleagues, clients and the public, both electronically and in person, in a manner commiserate with corporate values and culture.
• Proficiency with smart phone technology and the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically with applications such as Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Demonstrated superior sales and operational management skills, including motivational leadership to support a vibrant needs-based sales culture.
• Willingness to embrace change and inspire others; show initiative and adaptability, and assist with the continued evolution of bank products, services and strategies.
• Knowledge of WaFd Bank systems, policies and culture preferred.
• Understanding of small business products, including treasury management and merchant services, preferred.

Location:

• This position is eligible to work in any of our CA branches.
• Traveling between branches may be required.