Why Work at Bank First
At Bank First, we’re not just a bank—we’re a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For”. We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you’re joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Imagine a workplace where:
- Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
- Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
- Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
- You’re part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment
At Bank First, you don’t just fill a role—you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.
About the Role: AVP - Operations Support Services
The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Operational Support Services is responsible for leading the operational support functions that enable efficient and consistent service delivery across the Bank's branch network. Supporting approximately 50 branch locations, this role oversees mail and courier operations, branch equipment management, inventory and distribution of branch supplies, and operational support staff. The AVP ensures branches have the equipment, supplies, and operational resources needed to serve customers effectively while driving process improvements, operational efficiencies, and cost-effective service delivery.
This position also leads projects related to new branch openings, branch acquisitions, relocations, renovations, and consolidations, coordinating cross-functional efforts to ensure successful implementation and ongoing operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Branch Support Operations
- Lead the day-to-day operations of Operational Services for approximately 50 branch locations.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective delivery of operational support services to all branches.
- Develop and maintain service standards and performance metrics to ensure exceptional internal customer service.
- Establish procedures that promote consistency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across all operational support functions.
Mail and Courier Services
- Oversee all internal and external mail operations, courier services, and secure transportation processes.
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements for courier and delivery services.
- Ensure secure handling and timely distribution of confidential documents, branch shipments, and operational materials.
- Identify opportunities to improve delivery efficiency while managing costs.
Branch Equipment Management
- Oversee procurement, deployment, maintenance, repair, replacement, and inventory management for branch equipment, including:
- Currency counters
- Coin counters
- ATMs
- Instant issue card printers
- Other operational branch equipment
- Coordinate with vendors and internal departments to minimize equipment downtime.
- Monitor equipment lifecycle planning and capital replacement schedules.
- Maintain equipment inventories and service records.
Branch Supplies Management
- Manage procurement, inventory, forecasting, and distribution of branch operational supplies, including:
- Office supplies
- Card stock and instant issue card blanks
- Transaction tickets and forms
- Marketing and customer-facing materials
- Operational and security supplies
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory and waste.
- Develop ordering standards and distribution processes that support branch efficiency.
Leadership and Team Management
- Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate Operational Support Services team members.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional service.
- Establish individual and departmental goals aligned with organizational objectives.
- Promote employee engagement and professional development.
Project Management
- Lead operational planning and execution for:
- New branch openings
- Branch acquisitions and conversions
- Branch relocations
- Renovations and remodels
- Branch closures and consolidations
- Coordinate with Facilities, Information Technology, Security, Operations, Retail Banking, Marketing, and third-party vendors to ensure successful project implementation.
- Develop project timelines, budgets, and operational readiness plans.
Process Improvement
- Evaluate existing operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data, performance metrics, and employee feedback.
- Recommend automation and technology enhancements that improve branch support operations.
- Develop policies and procedures supporting operational excellence.
Vendor and Budget Management
- Manage departmental budgets and control operating expenses.
- Negotiate vendor contracts and monitor vendor performance.
- Ensure vendors meet contractual obligations and service expectations.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising service quality.
Risk Management and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with bank policies, operational procedures, regulatory requirements, and security standards.
- Maintain appropriate controls over inventory, equipment, and operational assets.
- Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning related to branch operational support.
- Participate in audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
#INDBF
QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant banking experience may be considered.
Experience
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible operations or branch support experience within a financial institution.
- Minimum of three years of leadership or management experience.
- Experience managing multi-location operational support functions.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and operational initiatives.
- Experience with vendor management and contract administration preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of retail banking operations and branch support functions.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- Experience with inventory management and logistics operations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills across multiple departments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems.
- Ability to analyze operational data and develop actionable recommendations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel to branch locations as needed.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move boxes or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Primarily office-based with periodic visits to branch and operations facilities.
Success Measures
Success in this role is demonstrated through:
- High levels of branch satisfaction with support services.
- Reliable availability and performance of branch equipment.
- Accurate and timely distribution of branch supplies.
- Efficient and secure mail and courier operations.
- Successful execution of branch openings, acquisitions, and operational projects.
- Continuous process improvements that reduce costs and improve service levels.
- Strong employee engagement and team performance.
- Effective budget management and vendor oversight.
About Bank First
Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking—getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.
Our Culture & Vision
We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.
Our Values
Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven
Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.
Skills Required
- 7-10 years of progressively responsible operations or branch support experience within a financial institution
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience
- Experience managing multi-location operational support functions
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and operational initiatives (branch openings, conversions, relocations, remodels)
- Experience with vendor management and contract administration
- Strong knowledge of retail banking operations and branch support functions
- Experience with inventory management and logistics operations
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems
- Ability to travel to branch locations as needed
- Ability to occasionally lift and move boxes or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field (preferred; equivalent combination of education and banking experience considered)
What We Do
Bank First is headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Through a combination of acquisitions and de novo offices, our Bank has expanded to serve the financial needs of those throughout Wisconsin. Our growth has been achieved through our relationship-based model of banking. We take pride in knowing our customers on a personal level and working together to create value for themselves, their families, and the communities in which we live. As a result of our growth throughout the State of Wisconsin, our valued customers have access to an increased lending capacity, a wider range of products and services, an expanded branch network, and a larger team of bankers dedicated to providing superior financial solutions that are value driven. Bank First employs over 300 full-time equivalent staff and has been consistently named one of the best banks to work by American Banker. At Bank First, we strive for excellence, not only for our customers, but for our employees, community, and shareholders as well. Our focus on excellence has resulted in Bank First being recognized as one of the top performing banks in the United States. We are one of 26 banks in the country to be awarded the Raymond James Community Bankers Cup. The award recognizes the top 10% of community banks in the nation based on profitability, operational efficiency, and balance sheet metrics. Additionally, we have been recognized on the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Bank Honor Roll. As Bank First looks to the future, we will continue to focus on our relationship-based model of banking and expanding our reach throughout the State of Wisconsin. Bank First will continue to expand through organic growth and in the form of de novo branches and strategic acquisitions in the coming years and is excited for the opportunity to provide superior products and services to a larger base. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
