Chief Operating Officer

Ascendo Resources; Connecticut; On-site; USD 300,000 - 375,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial institution based in Greenwich, CT is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to build and oversee its operational infrastructure. The ideal candidate will lead and implement efficient banking operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With over 12 years in operations leadership within banking, this role focuses on strategic execution and managing relationships with vendors and regulatory bodies. The position offers a full-time opportunity with significant responsibilities in a growing environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within banking or regulated institutions.
• Experience building or scaling operations in a de novo bank or high-growth regulated environment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of bank operations within a Federal Reserve–regulated framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and oversight of the bank’s operating model.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and core banking functions.
• Establish operational policies and internal controls.
• Partner with legal leadership to ensure compliance.
• Drive process design and operational resilience.
• Build high-performing operations teams.

Skills

Operations leadership

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

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This range is provided by Ascendo Resources. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base Pay Range

$300,000.00/yr - $375,000.00/yr

Greenwich, CT based role!

About the Role

This senior executive role is responsible for building and overseeing the bank’s operational infrastructure from inception and ensuring scalable, efficient, and well-controlled execution across the institution. The Chief Operating Officer will partner closely with executive leadership and the Board and play a foundational role in establishing operational processes, governance, and controls appropriate for a regulated banking environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of the bank’s end-to-end operating model.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across core banking functions, investment operations, treasury operations, client onboarding, and back-office processes.
• Establish operational policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with Federal Reserve supervisory expectations.
• Partner with legal and compliance leadership to ensure operational processes support regulatory and governance requirements.
• Lead vendor selection, contract oversight, and third-party service provider management, including core systems, custodians, administrators, and technology partners.
• Oversee operational readiness for regulatory examinations, audits, and ongoing supervisory interactions.
• Drive process design, documentation, and automation to support scale, efficiency, and operational resilience.
• Develop operational reporting and management information for executive leadership and the Board.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team in shaping the bank’s operating strategy.
• Build and lead high-performing operations teams, including hiring, organizational design, and performance management.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable operational plans.
• Support growth initiatives by ensuring operational capabilities evolve in line with the bank’s investment activities.
• Present operational updates and key initiatives to the Board and relevant committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within banking, alternative investments, or regulated financial institutions.
• Experience building or scaling operations in a de novo bank, early-stage institution, or high-growth regulated environment strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of bank operations within a Federal Reserve–regulated framework.
• Familiarity with private credit, private equity, or alternative investment operating models.
• Proven experience managing complex vendor and third-party relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable operational processes and controls.
• Executive-level communication skills with Boards, regulators, and senior leadership.
• Hands‑on, solutions‑oriented leadership style suited to a founding executive role.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Finance

Industry

Banking