SUMMARY:
The Consumer Strategy Lead role is responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing the bank’s sales strategies to ensure performance in support of achieving the bank’s strategic plan. This role provides thought leadership and strategies that frame organizational opportunities and challenges that Columbia Bank is faced with ensuring the bank has a strong understanding of the business dynamics and has the necessary information and insights to make strong strategic decisions that drive performance aligned to the Strategic Business Plan and its goals.
Working closely with the 1st SVP of Sales and Strategy and the Sales Enablement Team, the Consumer Strategy Lead creates and defines strategy, champions stakeholder engagement, and oversees strategic implementation of key initiatives and programs. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader with proven experience in strategy creation, stakeholder engagement, and organizational transformation.
Define and develop strategies to enable performance and achieve business plan targets
- Develop and execute coordinated, data-informed, forward-thinking sales strategies to achieve deposit, new customer, and revenue growth.
- Analyze market trends and internal customer data to deliver new business and segment opportunities. Identify new market opportunities, growth segments, and design value propositions to attract new niche segments.
- Create strategies to further embed fee revenue generating businesses into daily practices and uncover new partnerships to mature businesses.
- Evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, or acquisitions that support strategic goals.
- Support branch expansion and optimization market plan with a focus on de novo branch growth.
- Collaborate with external partners and FinTech’s to monitor financial trend and capture data points to ensure business growth mind set and programming.
- Influence key stakeholders to successfully embed proposed strategies as relevant.
Strategic Analysis & Performance Management
- Partner with Marketing, Retail, Commercial Banking, and Product and Digital teams to create integrated campaigns and referral strategies.
- Analyze and report on sales performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement. Prepare and deliver reports on financial performance and strategic initiatives.
- Facilitate execution of strategic- roadmaps in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Creation of sales campaigns, and the launch of value propositions and sales programming to drive deposit growth.
- Partner closely with branch sales enablement team on key projects and deliverables.
Strategy and Cross – Functional Leadership
- Lead cross-functional partnerships with senior stakeholders and executive leadership, orchestrating integrated business strategies that advance priorities and achieve the goals of Columbia Bank.
- Champion and develop the creation of strategic- roadmaps that support stakeholder insights and decision making on key opportunities and challenges the bank is facing.
- Lead strategic efforts and projects that drive growth and profitability for Columbia Bank in close partnership with key stakeholders.
Leadership and Mentorship
- Mentor, and support team members, providing clear direction, fostering professional growth, and ensuring work aligns with department objectives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and leadership to support integrated strategic efforts and client experience efforts.
- Contribute to a positive, results-driven team culture within the Sales and Strategy department.
Other Responsibilities
- Performs other job-related duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 7+ years of experience in strategy development, preferably in financial services.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MBA or Master’s degree in a related field.
- Knowledge of banking or financial services compliance standards preferred.
Core Competencies/Skills:
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills, with experience working in highly matrixed organizations.
- Proven ability to plan and lead high-profile initiatives with attention to detail and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong story-telling skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to build, understand, and communicate strategies to optimize performance and educate stakeholders.
- Strong Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
Columbia Bank offers the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory.
- Bonus programs.
- Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
- Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D).
- Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
- Paid Sick Time.
- Bank Holidays.
- Employees may participate in the 401k program.
Schedule:
This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule; 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home based on business need.
Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 7+ years of experience in strategy development (preferably in financial services)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Strong proficiency in PowerPoint
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to plan and lead high-profile initiatives and stakeholder engagement
- MBA or Master's degree
- Knowledge of banking or financial services compliance standards
What We Do
You can Count on Columbia for all your personal banking needs in New Jersey. We’re more than just a bank – we’re your personal banker for life. As the largest independent bank in New Jersey, Columbia Bank is motivated by forming long-term relationships with our customers. Our team of experienced banking professionals provides our customers and the communities of New Jersey with unprecedented service and financial security. With conveniently located full-service branches in New Jersey, we believe that’s why individuals and families across New Jersey Count on Columbia to manage their personal bank accounts. Already have a personal bank account with us? We also offer business banking services, with the same service standard and financial stability that guide our personal bank account management. Whether we are helping you achieve your financial goals or helping the communities we serve through volunteering or our Columbia Bank Foundation, we strive to make Columbia Bank a place you can count on. Better Community Banking Starts Here.
