Fraud Operations Team Lead

Job Summary: The Fraud Team Lead is responsible for leading a team of fraud analysts to detect, prevent, and mitigate fraud across banking products, including cards, deposits, wires, and digital channels. This role combines operational leadership with strategic oversight, leveraging AI-driven insights and enterprise risk frameworks to proactively identify emerging fraud threats while balancing customer experience and regulatory compliance.

This role also collaborates with internal partners, documents findings, and supports continuous improvement of fraud prevention processes and controls.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop a team of fraud analysts, providing coaching, performance management, and ongoing training to enhance investigative effectiveness and career growth.
• Oversee daily fraud operations, including case management, alert queues, and escalation handling to ensure timely and accurate fraud detection and resolution.
• Assist in fraud investigations and case resolution
• Provide guidance, direction, and recommendations to management on transactions that are raised as questionable, suspicious, or potentially fraudulent.

• Coordinate cross-functional communication and recommend appropriate action required to mitigate fraud loss while providing positive customer experience.
• Stay abreast of evolving fraud/loss industry trends/threats, prevention initiatives/requirements, and best practices, including preventive tools and techniques.
• Partner with enterprise project, risk, and technology teams to design and deploy AI-driven fraud strategies aligned with regulatory expectations and bank-wide risk appetite.
• Leverage AI/ML fraud detection models across banking channels (card, ACH, wire) to proactively identify emerging fraud trends, drive earlier intervention and reduce financial losses
• Perform additional duties as requested, needed or assigned.

• Adhere to the Bank's confidentiality policy, code of ethics and follow all policies and procedures relative to Consumer Compliance laws and regulations and best practice recommendations.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, transparency and accountability within the Bank.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A demonstrated ability to build and promote teamwork, to work collaboratively with others, and a willingness to take on tasks and assignments proactively.
• Knowledge of applicable banking laws and procedures relevant to fraud mitigation and investigations.
• Strong and effective written and oral communication skills and an ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Have a strong working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook, and be comfortable learning and using new software.
• Must be self-motivated, professional, detail oriented organized and able to effectively handle multiple assignments and changing priorities.

• Ability to adhere to Needham Bank's Core Values (Focus on Customer Relationship, Embrace Change, Work as a Team, Be an Asset to Your Community, Always Learn, Do the Right Thing).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Business, Criminal Justice, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5 years of experience in fraud operations within a banking or financial services environment.
• 2 years of leadership experience managing fraud or risk teams.
• Hands-on experience with fraud detection systems and AI/ML-driven analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of banking products and fraud typologies (card fraud, account takeover, wire fraud, ACH fraud, scams).
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (BSA/AML, FFIEC, or similar).
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) preferred

PAY RANGE: $69,794.45 - $90,732.79/year

The pay range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, and market factors; additional compensation may apply.

Needham Bank offers a competitive salary and an amazing benefit package for a full-time employee which includes fully paid medical and dental insurance, HRA, 401(k) plan with an 8% bank match, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, a bonus program, flexible spending accounts, vision service plan, group term life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a great benefit package to our eligible part-time employees as well.

At NB, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace - if you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Needham Bank is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Needham Bank will provide all applicants for employment and all employees with equal opportunity for employment and promotion regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, military service, sexual orientation, genetic information, or gender identity.