Sr. Vice President, Banking Operations

First National Bank of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401k with Matching Contributions

Time Off Programs

Tuition Assistance

Growth Opportunities

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

First National Bank of Omaha is seeking a Banking Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead operational excellence, scalability, and execution across multiple business segments. The role focuses on building infrastructure, capabilities, and teams to deliver ambitious outcomes, with emphasis on process transformation, automation, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate brings deep banking operations experience, executive presence, and a proven ability to drive cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Executive presence with credibility to influence senior stakeholders
• Proven track record leading large-scale process transformation
• Deep knowledge of banking operations and serving customers at scale
• Strong analytical and problem solving with data-driven decisions
• Ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams across functions

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the division's operational strategy to enable growth
• Ensure operational excellence across all banking operations including processing, servicing, and deposit ops
• Lead end-to-end process transformation with measurable outcomes
• Establish KPIs and accountability frameworks for performance
• Drive automation, AI integration and cost reductions across operations
• Oversee regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and audit remediation
• Build scalable infrastructure and cross-functional collaboration across divisions

Skills

Executive presence

Strategic leadership

Operations leadership

Transformation & change management

Data-driven decision making

Job description

At FNBO, our employees are the heart of our story—and we’re committed to their success! Please see below the details of this career opportunity and how it fits into our organization’s success.

Summary of the Job: The Banking Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a strategic senior leader and key member of the Banking Division leadership team, accountable for operational excellence, scalability and execution across the Business Segment, Commercial Payments, Individual Segment and Wealth & Institutional Services. This role translates the division's growth strategy into operational reality—building the infrastructure, capabilities, and teams required to deliver on ambitious business outcomes. The COO drives division wide process transformation, technology enablement and efficiency while enabling the Banking Division's strategic growth agenda. This position requires both strategic thinking and hands‑on operational expertise to build best in class operational capabilities, optimize resource deployment, and deliver measurable business outcomes. The ideal candidate combines deep banking operations knowledge with proven transformation leadership, executive presence, thriving in complexity while driving clarity, accountability, and results.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy and Operational Excellence

• Define and execute the division's operational strategy, aligning infrastructure, capacity, and capabilities to enable business growth and competitive differentiation
• Ensure operational excellence and performance accountability across all banking operations, including transaction processing, account management, customer servicing, loan servicing, payment operations and deposit operations
• Lead end‑to‑end process transformation initiatives across the division, driving cross‑functional efficiency improvements with measurable outcomes
• Establish and maintain KPIs and performance accountability frameworks to track operational health and progress against strategic goals
• Champion a continuous improvement culture, leveraging process redesign, automation, and AI integration to reduce operational costs and improve throughput
• Manage disciplined expense planning, including multi‑year efficiency roadmaps with year‑over‑year targets

2. Technology & Automation

• Drive the technology and automation strategy for operations, prioritizing investments in AI, RPA, and digital capabilities that enable scalability, reduce costs, and enhance competitive positioning
• Partner with Technology and Product teams to align operational capabilities with the division's digital growth strategy, including digital onboarding, BillPay/transfers, open banking, and dynamic product and pricing capabilities
• Support regulatory technology initiatives such as ISO20022 and 1071 compliance
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices to maintain competitive operational capabilities
• Drive data‑driven decision making through analytics, operational intelligence and/or predictive modeling

3. Strategic Initiative Enablement

• Serve as the operational architect for Banking Division strategic priorities, including acquisitions and integrations (e.g., CCB conversion), new product launches, and digital channel expansion
• Serve as a strategic operational partner to Banking Division peers leading the Business Segment, Commercial Payments, Individual Segment, and Wealth & Institutional Services enabling growth through scalable infrastructure and cross‑functional collaboration
• Contribute to the division's long‑term strategic planning; Translate division strategy into executable operational plans with clear milestones, resource requirements, and success metrics
• Lead operational due diligence and integration planning for acquisitions, ensuring seamless execution and value realization
• Represent Operations in enterprise‑wide strategic forums, advocating for operational investment, prioritization, and cross‑division alignment

4. Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Collaborate with the Compliance and Legal functions to ensure all operational activities adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Ensure effective operational risk mitigation through robust controls, process discipline, and proactive identification of vulnerabilities within operations functions
• Ensure timely remediation of audit findings, regulatory feedback, and control deficiencies
• Maintain accurate and timely regulatory reporting across areas of responsibility
• Proactively identify and address operational compliance gaps

5. Talent & Organizational Leadership

• Build and sustain a high‑performing operations organization through strategic hiring, succession planning, talent calibration, and intentional development programs
• Establish clear role expectations, goal accountability frameworks, and recognition programs that reinforce a performance culture
• Lead organizational design decisions that optimize capacity, reduce structural barriers, and position the team for scalability
• Foster cross‑functional collaboration and career development pathways, including internal mobility and skills‑based growth opportunities
• Lead change management efforts during organizational transitions, ensuring team engagement, clarity, and operational stability
• Model FNBO's leadership attributes— including assertiveness, change leadership, and strategic visioning—and set the standard for the broader team

6. Stakeholder Communication & Reporting

• Develop and deliver compelling operational narratives and strategic updates to senior leadership, the Banking Leadership Team, and relevant governance bodies
• Maintain transparent, consistent communication across the operations organization to ensure alignment on priorities, progress, and change initiatives
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships to enable effective execution of shared initiatives
• Represent the Banking Division's operational perspective in enterprise governance forums, contributing to FNBO's broader strategic agenda and operational standards

The Ideal Candidate for This Role: Qualifications

• Executive presence and credibility to influence senior stakeholders, lead cross‑enterprise initiatives, and represent Operations at the highest levels of the organization
• Strategic business acumen with a track record of shaping organizational direction, not just executing on it
• Demonstrated success leading large‑scale process transformation and operational efficiency initiatives
• Strong working knowledge of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and operational practices as they relate to operations and servicing
• Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing, diverse teams across multiple functions
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a data‑informed approach to decision‑making
• Technologically fluent, with experience leveraging automation, AI, and digital tools to drive operational outcomes
• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational strategies into clear, compelling narratives for executive and board‑level audiences
• Demonstrated change leadership capability — able to initiate, manage, and sustain organizational transformation while maintaining team engagement and operational stability
• Commitment to FNBO's values, ethical standards, and a culture of continuous improvement

Candidates must possess unrestricted work authorization and not require future sponsorship.

Work Environment

It is anticipated that the incumbent in this role will work onsite at the posted location. Our onsite environment fosters innovation, mentorship, and a vibrant culture where ideas flow freely and relationships flourish. As part of our team, you’ll experience the energy of our collaborative spaces designed to support your professional growth while working alongside talented colleagues who inspire excellence daily. Please note that work location is subject to change based on business needs.

Compensation and Benefits Overview

We offer a variety of benefits designed to keep you and your family physically and financially healthy. Not only do we offer a competitive salary and work‑life balance, we offer benefits to match your needs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k, With Matching Contributions
• Time Off Programs
• Health Savings Account (HSA)/Dependent Care
• Employee Banking
• Growth Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Short‑Term/Long‑Term Disability Insurance

Learn more about FNBO benefits here: https://www.fnbo.com/careers/benefits/.

Equal Opportunity & Belonging

FNBO believes that the quality of our employee experience is at the heart of our customer experience. One key pillar of our intended employee experience is Belonging. Belonging means we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees of all backgrounds feel valued, recognized, and empowered to be their authentic selves—no matter their role or where they are in their journey.

FNBO is an equal opportunity employer for all employees and applicants and makes employment decisions without regard to status or identity.

FNBO follows federal law regarding the use of marijuana (this applies to all non‑California applicants).

Application Deadline

All our jobs will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days. Job postings may come down prior to 5 calendar days based on volume of applicants.

Grow Your Career with FNBO!

For 170 years, our holding company - First National of Nebraska (FNNI) - has grown to more than 4,500 employees with locations in nine states and $35 billion in assets. We are proud to serve our customers and communities with banking offices located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) believes that a bank should be a force for good in the world; to positively influence the lives of our employees, customers and the success of the communities we serve. Whether you're just beginning your career or taking it to the next level, you'll find your fit here.

Bilingual Careers Internships & Trainee Program

FNBO believes that the quality of our employee experience is at the heart of our customer experience. One key pillar of our intended employee experience is Belonging. Belonging means we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees of all backgrounds feel valued, recognized, and empowered to be their authentic selves—no matter their role or where they are in their journey.

FNBO is an equal opportunity employer for all employees and applicants and makes employment decisions without regard to status or identity.

FNBO strives to represent the communities in which we serve.

Contact Information

Online (Primary Response Hours: M‑F, 8a‑5p Central) [e-mail]

Phone (Available: M‑F, 10a‑2p; Central) (855) 470‑3777 (402) 602‑3777