Sr. Vice President, Banking Operations

Fnbo---First-National-Bank-of-Omaha-1; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is seeking a Banking Chief Operations Officer to translate growth strategy into scalable operational capabilities. You will drive process transformation, technology enablement, and efficiency across multiple banking segments, partnering with Technology and Product to support digital onboarding and payments initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines deep banking operations knowledge with transformation leadership, executive presence, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience at scale in banking/financial services.
• Strategic planning and translating strategy into operational plans.
• Proven track record in process transformation and efficiency initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of banking regulations and servicing operations.
• Analytical mindset with data-informed decision making.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the Banking Division's operational strategy to enable growth.
• Lead end-to-end process transformation with measurable outcomes across Ops.
• Establish KPIs and performance frameworks; drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee technology and automation initiatives; partner with Tech and Product teams.
• Lead due diligence and integration planning for acquisitions; ensure value realization.
• Represent Operations in governance forums and advocate for investments.

Skills

Executive presence

Strategic thinking

Process transformation

Operational excellence

Data-driven decision making

Leadership (cross-functional)

Tools

Automation tools

AI & RPA

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.About This Role:Key Responsibilities1. Strategy and Operational ExcellenceDefine and execute the division's operational strategy, aligning infrastructure, capacity, and capabilities to enable business growth and competitive differentiationEnsure operational excellence and performance accountability across all banking operations, including transaction processing, account management, customer servicing, loan servicing, payment operations and deposit operationsLead end-to-end process transformation initiatives across the division, driving cross-functional efficiency improvements with measurable outcomesEstablish and maintain KPIs and performance accountability frameworks to track operational health and progress against strategic goalsChampion a continuous improvement culture, leveraging process redesign, automation, and AI integration to reduce operational costs and improve throughputManage disciplined expense planning, including multi-year efficiency roadmaps with year-over-year targets2. Technology & AutomationDrive the technology and automation strategy for operations, prioritizing investments in AI, RPA, and digital capabilities that enable scalability, reduce costs, and enhance competitive positioningPartner 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 capabilitiesSupport regulatory technology initiatives such as ISO20022 and 1071 complianceEvaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices to maintain competitive operational capabilitiesDrive data-driven decision making through analytics, operational intelligence and/or predictive modeling3. Strategic Initiative EnablementServe as the operational architect for Banking Division strategic priorities, including acquisitions and integrations (e.g., CCB conversion), new product launches, and digital channel expansionServe 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 collaborationContribute to the division's long-term strategic planning; Translate division strategy into executable operational plans with clear milestones, resource requirements, and success metricsLead operational due diligence and integration planning for acquisitions, ensuring seamless execution and value realizationRepresent Operations in enterprise-wide strategic forums, advocating for operational investment, prioritization, and cross-division alignment4. Compliance & Regulatory AffairsCollaborate with the Compliance and Legal functions to ensure all operational activities adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policiesEnsure effective operational risk mitigation through robust controls, process discipline, and proactive identification of vulnerabilities within operations functionsEnsure timely remediation of audit findings, regulatory feedback, and control deficienciesMaintain accurate and timely regulatory reporting across areas of responsibilityProactively identify and address operational compliance gaps5. Talent & Organizational LeadershipBuild and sustain a high-performing operations organization through strategic hiring, succession planning, talent calibration, and intentional development programsEstablish clear role expectations, goal accountability frameworks, and recognition programs that reinforce a performance cultureLead organizational design decisions that optimize capacity, reduce structural barriers, and position the team for scalabilityFoster cross-functional collaboration and career development pathways, including internal mobility and skills-based growth opportunitiesLead change management efforts during organizational transitions, ensuring team engagement, clarity, and operational stabilityModel FNBO's leadership attributes — including assertiveness, change leadership, and strategic visioning — and set the standard for the broader team6. Stakeholder Communication & ReportingDevelop and deliver compelling operational narratives and strategic updates to senior leadership, the Banking Leadership Team, and relevant governance bodiesMaintain transparent, consistent communication across the operations organization to ensure alignment on priorities, progress, and change initiativesBuild strong cross-functional relationships to enable effective execution of shared initiativesRepresent the Banking Division's operational perspective in enterprise governance forums, contributing to FNBO's broader strategic agenda and operational standardsThe Ideal Candidate for This Role:QualificationsExecutive presence and credibility to influence senior stakeholders, lead cross-enterprise initiatives, and represent Operations at the highest levels of the organizationStrategic business acumen with a track record of shaping organizational direction, not just executing on itDemonstrated success leading large-scale process transformation and operational efficiency initiativesStrong working knowledge of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and operational practices as they relate to operations and servicingProven ability to lead and develop high-performing, diverse teams across multiple functionsExceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-informed approach to decision-makingTechnologically fluent, with experience leveraging automation, AI, and digital tools to drive operational outcomesOutstanding communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational strategies into clear, compelling narratives for executive and board-level audiencesDemonstrated change leadership capability — able to initiate, manage, and sustain organizational transformation while maintaining team engagement and operational stabilityCommitment to FNBO's values, ethical standards, and a culture of continuous improvementCandidates 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 Insurance401k, With Matching ContributionsTime Off ProgramsHealth Savings Account (HSA)/Dependent CareEmployee BankingGrowth OpportunitiesTuition AssistanceShort-Term/Long-Term Disability InsuranceLearn more about FNBO benefits here: https://www.fnbo.com/careers/benefits/ .To obtain compensation and benefit information related to this specific role, e-mail FNBO at [e-mail] . To ensure you receive a response, include the number of this job (listed below) in the subject line of your message.Job number: R-20261850Equal 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.Learn more here.FNBO is an equal opportunity employer for all employees and applicants and makes employment decisions without regard to status or identity.Click here to download 'EEO is The Law' Self-Print PosterClick here to download 'EEO is The Law' Supplement for Federal ContractorsClick here to download 'EEO is The Law' GINA SupplementFNBO is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer - Member FDICFNBO 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.