Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

Lakeside HR Group is supporting a community banking organization in recruiting a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for their team located primarily in Minnesota, with preferred locations in Minnetonka, Eagan, or Sioux Falls. This executive position reports directly to the Bank President/CEO and demands a strategic operator who can drive sustained growth, optimize business operations, minimize organizational risks, and maintain a consistent, high-quality client experience.

Primary Duties

• Lead operational planning, policy formation, budgeting, and the deployment of resources in alignment with executive directives from the CEO.
• Collaborate with senior executives to convert strategic goals into actionable operational targets and measurable business plans.
• Analyze and enhance business processes to boost efficiency, service quality, profitability, and overall organizational performance.
• Manage complex initiatives aimed at improving workflows, ensuring cross-functional cooperation, and achieving operational excellence.
• Oversee evaluation of resource allocation, technology infrastructure, software and hardware setups, and related operational performance factors.
• Identify and report operational risks to auditors, regulators, senior leadership, and the Board as required.
• Implement systems to gather relevant data, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and utilize metrics to foster process improvements.
• Formulate operating budgets and advocate for policies and procedures that support business objectives.
• Provide guidance on change management efforts and facilitate new business process rollouts.
• Contribute to senior-level committees including Funds Management, Risk Management, Planning, Technology Steering, Product Development, Program Management, and Bank Executive Management.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations, IT, or a related discipline.
• Eight to ten years of progressive leadership experience in operational roles.
• Proven expertise in operational planning, policy development, resource management, risk oversight, and compliance in regulated environments.
• Track record of successfully directing organizational transformation and operational enhancement programs.
• Strong collaboration skills with experience engaging senior managers and cross-departmental teams.
• Effective verbal and written communication talents with an aptitude for balancing multiple priorities while keeping departmental strategies in line with corporate goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, finance, operations, IT, or related field.
• Experience at a community bank or similarly sized financial institution.
• Knowledge of payment systems, payment processing, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with core banking technologies and digital banking solutions.
• Expertise in digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience with organizational goal setting and operational planning.
• Competence in continuous improvement, operational excellence, business process design, and process optimization.
• Ability to approach challenges holistically and facilitate collaboration across multiple teams and departments.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range between $190,000 and $300,000 annually plus bonus opportunities.
• Stock option offerings.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Executive-level benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

About Lakeside HR Group

Lakeside HR Group is a boutique human resources consultancy focused on providing personalized recruitment and career solutions. Our commitment goes beyond recruitment—we partner with candidates to support their professional ambitions through tailored service and dedicated teamwork.