DIrector, Business Strategy, Banking Operations, (PL)

Charles Schwab; Westlake (TX); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Sabbatical after 5 years

Parental leave and family benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Charles Schwab is seeking a Director to lead Business Strategy for Banking Operations. You will drive modernization, develop scalable operating models, and manage strategic initiatives that balance vision with hands-on delivery.

You will partner across product, technology, risk, and operations to ensure readiness for new banking products and capabilities, while guiding the 23B agreement processes and governance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business strategy and banking operations or related leadership roles.
• 5+ years of banking experience.
• Direct people leadership experience.
• Experience presenting to executives and C-suite audiences.
• Ability to drive cross-functional strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to drive modernization and strategic initiatives.
• Develop strategic plans for operational excellence, scalability and efficiency.
• Support rollout of new banking products and capabilities for readiness.
• Serve as liaison between Banking Operations and Operational Services on 23B agreements.
• Assess impacts, resources, risks, and readiness for new initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve operating models.
• Communicate strategic issues and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Motivate teams and drive progress across complex programs.

Skills

Strategic planning

Executive presence

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Change management

Operational excellence

Job description

Your opportunity

The Director, Business Strategy, Banking Operations will drive strategic initiatives and modernization across Banking Operations by balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution.

The primary focus will be developing and executing frameworks and strategies that advance operational excellence, including process optimization, scale and efficiency initiatives, operating model enhancements, integration planning, and change management. The Director will also play a key role in supporting the rollout and operationalization of new banking products and capabilities, helping ensure Banking Operations is prepared to support evolving client and business needs.

Additionally, the Director will serve as a key liaison between Banking Operations and the broader Operational Services organization, particularly as it relates to the 23B agreements owned within Banking Operations, helping drive alignment, coordination, transparency, and effective partnership across organizational boundaries.

The Director will lead cross-functional initiatives, influence senior leadership, and deliver measurable outcomes aligned with Banking Operations and broader organizational priorities. This role will help establish and shape the strategy function, with the expectation to assume direct people leadership of a team as the function evolves.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive Banking Operations modernization and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment, accountability, and measurable results.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that advance operational excellence, scalability, efficiency, risk management, and modernization priorities across Banking Operations.
• Support the introduction and rollout of new banking products and capabilities, partnering across business, product, technology, risk, compliance, and operations to ensure operational readiness and successful implementation.
• Serve as a primary liaison between Banking Operations and broader Operational Services for matters related to 23B agreements owned within Banking Operations, facilitating alignment, coordination, governance, and issue resolution across teams.
• Partner with key stakeholders to assess operational impacts, dependencies, resource requirements, risks, and readiness associated with new products, capabilities, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operating models, simplify processes, increase capacity, and improve the scalability and effectiveness of Banking Operations.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership, translating complex operational issues into clear strategies, recommendations, decisions, and outcomes.
• Inspire and motivate teams, build consensus, and drive progress across complex initiatives involving multiple organizations and stakeholders.
• Balance strategic vision with hands-on execution, adapting plans to changing business priorities, client needs, regulatory considerations, and operational challenges.
• Foster seamless collaboration across Banking Operations, Operational Services, Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and other partner organizations to accelerate outcomes.

What you have

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in business strategy and banking operations, financial services operations, program management, and/or leadership within the financial services industry.
• 5+ years of banking experience.
• Direct people leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex initiatives involving banking products, capabilities, operations, or operating models.
• Experience crafting and delivering impactful executive presentations that clearly articulate vision, strategy, recommendations, progress, risks, and business outcomes for internal and external audiences.
• Experience leading strategic engagements with cross-functional stakeholders, including senior and C-suite executives, on initiatives such as firmwide strategic decisions, new capabilities, growth and efficiency opportunities, and operating model enhancements.
• Demonstrated ability to simplify complex business and operational issues and communicate effectively with strong executive presence.
• Proven success influencing senior leadership, building alignment across organizational boundaries, and driving strategic decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

What’s in it for you

At Schwab, you're empowered to shape your future. We champion your growth through meaningful work, continuous learning, and a culture of trust and collaboration - so you can build the skills to make a lasting impact. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.

We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you - both today and in the future:

• 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
• Paid parental leave and family building benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance