Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer at Waterfall Bank

Do you believe exceptional service is the standard, not the exception?

At Waterfall Bank, white‑glove service and a seamless customer experience are at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for professionals who care deeply about clients, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are energized by innovation and continuous improvement. If you’re future‑focused, detail‑driven, and motivated to help raise the bar every day, we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior executive responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the bank- ensuring operational excellence, consistency, and scalability across the organization. This role serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership team, translating strategy into disciplined execution while maintaining strong regulatory compliance, risk management, and client experience standards. The COO provides continuity of leadership while advancing operational effectiveness as the bank continues to grow and evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of bank operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and the bank’s service-oriented culture.
• Oversee and optimize operational performance across assigned functional areas, driving efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team on strategic planning, budgeting, goal setting, and execution of key initiatives.
• Ensure strong operational risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance across operational functions.
• Lead enterprise-wide project management initiatives, including operational enhancements, system implementations, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Develop, mentor, and lead senior leaders and managers, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness and the client experience.
• Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, and ongoing compliance activities related to operational areas.
• Act as a visible, values-driven leader who reinforces the bank’s service model and commitment to operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in banking or financial services, with significant operational responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple operational functions within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of banking regulations, operational risk management, internal controls, and examination processes.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complexity, and execute strategy through disciplined operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a COO, EVP, or senior operations executive in a community or regional bank.
• Experience supporting growth initiatives, operational scaling, and process transformation.
• Background in enterprise project management, systems implementation, or digital and operational modernization.
• Demonstrated success partnering closely with CEOs, boards, and regulators.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Risk & Compliance Management
• Change Management
• Collaboration & Influence
• Client Experience Focus
• People Development

What we’re Looking for

We’re seeking an experienced operations executive who brings strategic insight, operational discipline, and strong leadership to a growing financial institution. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results‑driven leader who excels in regulated environments and is committed to delivering exceptional client experiences.

You bring:

• Proven leadership in complex banking operations
• The ability to translate strategy into consistent, scalable execution
• Sound judgment and a strong commitment to risk management and compliance
• A continuous‑improvement mindset grounded in detail and accountability
• The ability to build trust and influence across executive teams, regulators, and staff

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer using standard office equipment.
• Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and discussions, both in-person and virtually.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, regulatory examinations, or bank-related events as needed.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment; additional hours may be required.
• This role may require flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, or off-hours support, to uphold our commitment to 24/7 client service availability. 

How to Apply

Qualified candidates may apply through LinkedIn or submit a resume directly to Careers@WaterfallBank.com. All applications will be treated confidentially.