District Leader (Kankakee) at First Financial Bank in Kankakee, Illinois

Job Description:

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written!


If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.


The District Leader I will be responsible for the achievement of specified banking center and banking center staff performance goals, on-going achievement, profitability, deposit and loan growth, and fee income. The District Leader will build, develop and lead a team that is focused on providing clients with an exceptional client experience by presenting financial solutions to meet the clients' needs. By focusing on the client, doing the right thing, and striving to make a difference, the team will build long-lasting client relationships. The District Leader is accountable for driving new client acquisition, retention and growth of client relationships, as well as growing non-interest revenue. In additional, the District Leader is responsible for building strong internal partnerships with Commercial, Wealth & Brokerage, Mortgage, Treasury Management and Consumer Lending to meet client needs and contribute to the growth of the Market in which they serve. The District Leader will create a team-oriented environment and will foster associate satisfaction through coaching, career development and support. The District Leader will build and maintain strong community alliances and integrate into the communities they serve. The District Leader may act as a mentor for onboarding new associates within their specified market. The District Leader is responsible for adherence to all compliance and regulatory procedures including, but not limited to: BSA, Check 21, CIP, CRA, HMDA, Reg B, Reg D, Reg E, Reg CC, Truth in Savings, Privacy Compliance and the Patriot Act.



Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• The District Leader is responsible for the achievement of specified banking center team service levels and service performance goals, including the other branch teams within the district. The District Leader will be responsible for building, developing, and leading a team that is focused on providing clients with an exceptional client experience and deepening relationships through service and client service follow up.


• The District Leader is an elevated leadership role within the market. The District Leader may serve as the team lead for other branch teams within the district, applying the same responsibilities as outlined above. The District Leader will provide sales and service leadership, coaching and employee development for all associates within the district. In addition, the District Leader will report directly to the Retail Regional President and provide assistance and support as necessary as a key leader within the region.


• Model the way for peers and coworkers aligned with First Financials Mission and Values.


• Maintain a banking center environment and commitment to exceptional client experience to foster client loyalty and relationship development.


• Ensure that banking center performance goals are met or exceeded, within their respective branch and the entire District.


• Foster an inclusive and team-oriented environment within the District, leading communication efforts and team collaboration at every level.


• Develop and lead a team who is knowledgeable in bank products, processes, policies and procedures, and willing to help each other and other teams in the District.


• Overall responsibility for managing banking center success which includes daily operations, successful audit scores, sales execution and those of the District.


• Actively manage the onboarding of new clients, ensure client follow up calls are conducted in the proper time frame.


• Manage overall financial center sales and the overall performance of the District.


• Engage in coaching and recognition.


• Update team members on progress towards goals.


• Develop strong business relationships with key partners focusing on deepening client relationships, finding new opportunities, and sharing client relationships, making needed introductions/referrals. Including, but not limited to:


• Business Specialists, Worklife Specialists, Financial Wellness Advisors, Preferred Bankers, Private Bankers, Wealth Advisors, Mortgage Loan Officers, and Commercial Partners.


• Integrate well into the community and markets within the District, developing outside sales opportunities through visibility through active participation in community groups. Discover and support site-specific events open to the community.


• Manage the day-to-day activities that align with The First Financial Bank Experience (FFB Experience) and coach and develop other Financial Center Managers and their teams to do the same.


• Daily activities that align with The First Financial Bank Experience (FFB Experience), including but not limited to:


• Ensure that all associates are delivering a quality client experience.


• Deepen and expand relationships of clients.


• Actively manage the onboarding of clients.


• Lead the daily huddles and team meetings.


• Attract new associates who align with the First Financial Bank/FOCUS culture and be a continued resource to that associate to promote engagement. Assist Retail Market President with interviewing prospective candidates.


• Ensure all associates actively manage their respective client relationships.


• Develop associates through observational coaching, joint sales calls, and utilization of the coaching model. (R.O.P.E.)


• Maintain all operational and risk management standards


• Assist Retail Regional President with facilitation of conference calls and leading of team meetings and District/Region communication.


• Act as a liaison between peers and the Retail Regional President, supporting and delivering on retail-wide initiatives, communication, and engagement.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership of coaching, management, leadership and/or mentoring in a retail environment.


• 5-7 years demonstrated prior success with multiple sales leadership processes and execution.


• 5-7 years of personal experience in sales and service with previous success in achieving sales and service goals in a retail environment.


• 5-7 years demonstrated prior success with achievement of performance goals.


• Will be able to successfully lead retail goals and objectives in their district with expert risk management oversight.


• Will have direct reports, leading other financial centers in their district.


• Must have working knowledge of banking policies and procedures.


• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required


• Associate's or Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent banking work experience preferred


• 5-7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Compliance Statement



The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.


It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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