Branch Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Branch Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operational performance of the front-line banking staff. This includes oversight of all teller operations and deposit account offerings, to achieve sales and service goals while driving growth within the bank and ensuring exceptional customer service. The Branch Manager may also be responsible for consumer lending functions, including loan origination, underwriting guidance, and portfolio management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while expanding the bank’s consumer lending portfolio.

Essential Functions:

• Recruit, train, and develop branch operation employees by setting clear performance expectations, providing ongoing coaching, fostering a team-oriented environment, and supporting staff in identifying customer needs and cross-selling banking and lending products.
• Ensure staff provide exceptional customer service, act as an advisor on financial products and loan options, handle complex inquiries, escalation issues when necessary, and foster a customer-centric culture focused on relationship-building and financial solutions.
• Oversee daily branch operations, ensuring accurate cash handling, transaction processing, and security, while maintaining compliance with bank policies, deposit and lending regulations, and consumer protection laws.
• Manage risk, keep accurate records, and ensure internal controls are in place.
• Oversee the delivery of consumer credit services in the branch, adhering to policies and procedures outlined in the FNB credit policy and as directed by Lenders or the Chief Credit Officer.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow deposits, loans, and retail banking products, drive consumer lending initiatives by identifying financing opportunities, build relationships with customers and the community, and collaborate with marketing and business development teams to promote banking and lending products.
• Solicit loans, interview applicants, and communicate underwriting guidelines and regulations to prospective clients.
• Manage loan portfolios and maintain relationships with local businesses and community members.
• Review documentation to determine loan eligibility and oversee the preparation of loan documents, requesting necessary materials to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Present loan requests to committees and attend closings.
• Respond to customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide ongoing support for loan management and servicing.
• Monitor loan performance and handle modifications or delinquencies.
• Assist in generating reports for senior management, preparing for audits and regulatory reviews, and supporting performance evaluations for the loan department.
• Lending responsibilities and other assigned duties may vary depending on the individual’s experience and will be determined by the Market President at the respective location.
• Actively participate in customer, community, and public relations activities to increase the bank’s visibility and enhance new business opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of bank policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledgeable of core system to process documentation, loans, and accounts.
• Attend training on bank/job-related topics.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Candidates must be able to relate to clients and coworkers effectively.
• Candidate must always act professionally.
• Able to handle confidential information and maintain privacy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Computer savvy: able to learn new software quickly.
• Self-motivated and persistent in following through and learning quickly.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Problem solver.
• Independent decision-maker within authority limits.
• Commitment and continuous demonstration of ethical behavior and willingness to adhere to all company policies and current financial legislation.
• Conform to the Bank’s core values, which are: Exceptional Customer Service, Family Driven, Community-Focused, Communication, Teamwork.

Education/Qualifications:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in banking operations and consumer lending.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, loan processing, and credit analysis.
• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role or equivalent experience demonstrating leadership and team management skills.

Supervisory:

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities and may serve as a mentor for other positions in the organization.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to type, carry, handle, and feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Multitask; perform tasks in an open office environment with noise from conversations, office machines, or other distracting sounds. Keep track of assigned tasks. May occasionally be exposed to upset customers during everyday activities or work under stress caused by anxious or impatient customers.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

First Northern Bank is committed to equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other protected characteristics. First Northern Bank will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship on the operation of our business.