Branch Manager in Alpharetta, Georgia at American Pride Bank

American Pride Bank was founded in 2007 by first-generation Americans and entrepreneurs to ensure everyone has fair access to financial products and services needed to achieve their American Dream. Our mission is to build a diverse-owned bank that serves ambitious, underestimated people and places, creating pathways for generational wealth, growing local economies, and reducing economic disparities. We are more than a bank; we are trusted partners who ensure every customer and business owner can achieve their American Dream. We take pride in seeing our communities prosper and knowing we played a part in that success. Our niche is serving small business owners, providing dignity in banking, and making people feel seen and valued. Through it all, we offer responsive, flexible, and tailored banking services that allow our customers to make money, build wealth, and secure a long-term legacy of financial well-being.

About the role

The Branch Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations, financial performance, and regulatory compliance of their assigned branch. The core focus of this position is twofold: driving business development (new account growth and relationship retention) and providing direct leadership, coaching, and oversight to the retail branch staff. This position requires a hands-on leader who ensures operational excellence while fostering a culture of exceptional, secure customer service.

What you'll do

1. People Management & Team Leadership

• Coaching & Performance: Coach, mentor, and motivate Universal Bankers and Vault Tellers. Set clear daily performance expectations and provide active, ongoing feedback.
• Evaluations: Responsible for executing timely, objective annual performance evaluations and establishing professional growth plans for direct reports.
• Administrative Oversight: Review, verify, and approve employee timesheets accurately for payroll processing; manage branch scheduling to ensure adequate floor coverage.
• Meeting Facilitation: Schedule, direct, and document regular branch staff meetings to communicate policy updates, product changes, and branch goals.
• Special Projects & Bank Initiatives: Actively champion new bank products, services, or strategic rollouts as directed. Lead or assist with cross-functional bank projects, committee initiatives, or pilot programs assigned by the Management Team.

2. Business Development & Portfolio Management

• Relationship Acquisition: Identify, target, and onboard prospective individual, small business, and corporate clients through proactive networking, referrals, and community engagement.
• Product Promotion: Execute strategic cross-selling initiatives for the Bank's suite of deposit products (checking, savings, IRAs, Certificates of Deposit, and Safe Deposit Boxes) and electronic services.
• Client Consultation: Quote product features, fee structures, and interest rates accurately to customers in accordance with current Bank rate sheets.
• Proposal Delivery: Prepare and present professional financial solutions and proposals tailored to meet the specific needs of commercial and retail prospects.

3. Branch Operations, Security & Risk Mitigation

• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain absolute fidelity to all applicable federal and state banking laws, rules, and regulations governing bank products, specifically including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols.
• Dual Control & Dual Custody: Enforce and strictly adhere to established dual control procedures daily, including the secure physical opening and closing of the branch.
• Internal Controls: Supervise and verify that night drop bags are collected, logged, and processed strictly according to established Bank procedures.
• Audit & Reporting: Ensure all daily, weekly, and monthly branch logs, balancing spreadsheets, audits, and checklists are accurately completed and submitted by staff.
• Transaction Approval: Review and approve high-value or exception transactions for Tellers and Vault Tellers, including check cashing limits and wire transfers within assigned authority limits.
• Security & Fraud Prevention: Proactively educate branch staff and customers on emerging financial scams, identity theft risks, and fraud prevention mechanisms to protect bank assets.

4. Service Excellence & Operational Agility

• Escalation Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact for complex customer inquiries, account disputes, complaints, and special financial circumstances.
• Confidentiality: Maintain a secure, professional work environment that guarantees the absolute safety and confidentiality of customer data, records, and transactions.
• Cross-Department Support: Collaborate with and provide operational support to inter-bank departments, including Deposit Operations, Loan Operations, and IT.
• Hands-on Coverage: Maintain complete proficiency in all branch roles; successfully step in to perform Teller or Vault Teller duties during peak hours, staff shortages, or lunch rotations.
• Facility Standards: Monitor and maintain the physical interior and exterior of the branch facility to ensure a safe, welcoming, and professional presentation.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent. An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred (equivalent banking experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree).
• Experience Standard: Minimum of 5 years of stable retail banking experience, which must include at least 2 years in a dedicated branch supervisory or management capacity.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Core Systems: Hands-on experience with Jack Henry Products is a heavily weighted asset. Ability to quickly adapt to and master internal Bank software and hardware.
• Core Competencies: Advanced cash-handling accuracy, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and exceptional written and verbal communication capabilities.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

• Environment: Fast-paced banking environment with standard office noise levels, computer equipment heat, and moderate foot traffic.
• Physical Demands: Position requires the physical ability to stand for extended periods, walk the branch floor, sit, stoop, kneel, reach, and safely lift or move coin bags/boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.