Director of Operational Excellence

Duties & Responsibilities

The Director of Operational Excellence plays a critical role in leading programs and transformation initiatives that drive efficiency, quality, performance, and operational maturity across IB’s core business lines and/or operational areas as appropriate based on reporting chain. Position reports to the Executive Director Level in IB, this role collaborates across key functional areas to optimize processes, implement solutions, and deliver results, ensuring exceptional service for internal and external clients, and supporting long-term success.

This leader oversees managers and individual contributors, responsible for key capabilities focused on daily system support, product innovation, quality assurance, compliance and audit readiness, annual readiness, capacity planning, measurement, and continuous improvement. The Director identifies high value opportunities to streamline operations, implement best practices, establish scalable, high-performing, and compliant processes.

·         Serve as a liaison between IB Business Lines, IT and Product as well as Risk and Compliance to implement system solutions that support and make our business strategies more effective.

·         Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.

·         Analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement, cost reduction, and increased productivity.

·         Lead cross-functional teams to execute operational improvement initiatives.

·         Collaborate with multiple teams to ensure alignment and integration of strategies.

·         Monitor and report on key performance indicators, providing regular updates and recommendations for improvement.

·         Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in operations strategy for the markets in which we operate.

·         Balance program and project management with deep business acumen to deliver impactful results.

·         Conduct comprehensive assessments of products and processes, guiding enhancements from conceptualization through to implementation.

·         Ensure all initiatives have specific, measurable impacts on key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish robust monitoring mechanisms.

·         Identify and implement product enhancements based on client feedback and needs.

·         Coordinate the creation of aligned tactical metric dashboards and performance management tools to support daily operations for management, RMs and support teams

·         Ensure the availability of role-specific tools that provide necessary insights for team members to make informed decisions.

·         Foster the development of integrated ecosystems rather than isolated reports to enhance data-driven decision-making.

·         Implement top-down product solutions and identify bottoms-up product and process enhancement opportunities.

·         Analyze business challenges and develop appropriate solutions

 

Knowledge & Skills:

 

MINIMUM:

• Prior Bank Operations and Project Management, leadership experience
• Ability to understand concepts and new ideas quickly.
• Familiarity with core Risk Management methods as applied in a financial services environment.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with tact, confidentiality, and professionalism.

• Strong strategic planning, project management, organizational and workforce management skills
• Excellent strategic leadership skills with the ability to influence and think outside the box.

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and utilize significant data to make sound business decisions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced, diverse, and growth-oriented environment.
• Ability to interact with all levels of an organization
• Ability to negotiate and facilitate issue resolution
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

 Requirements

Knowledge & Skills

 

MINIMUM:

• A BS/BA degree in business, technology, or related field or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in financial services operations, including 5+ years of project management
• 5+ years of leadership and people management experience in a related field
• 4+ years of experience managing geographically diverse teams

PREFERRED:

• 5+ years in custody and/or corporate trust operations experience
• 5+ years’ experience with global markets and securities processing
• 3+ years of process improvement experienceundefined undefined "> ">undefined

 

 

Work Environment

• Typical Office Environment, some travel may be required

Supervision/Management:  direct reports comprising of managers, business professionals, and administrative staff that are geographically distributed

This position was posted on 09/25/2026. The application deadline for this position is 45 days from the posting date unless filled earlier.

Compensation Range:

$176,796 - $260,029

The posted compensation range on this listing represents UMB’s good faith and reasonable estimate based on its budget and what it expects to be the starting pay for this role, but the actual compensation may vary by geographic location, experience level, and other job-related factors. Please see the description of benefits included with this job posting for additional information.

UMB offers competitive and varied benefits to eligible associates, such as Paid Time Off; a 401(k) matching program; annual incentive pay; paid holidays; a comprehensive company sponsored benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage; health savings, flexible spending, and dependent care accounts; adoption assistance; an employee assistance program; fitness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement; an associate wellbeing program; an associate emergency fund; and various associate banking benefits. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements vary.

Are you ready to be part of something more?
You're more than a means to an end—a way to help us meet the bottom line. UMB isn't comprised of workers, but of people who care about their work, one another, and their community. Expect more than the status quo. At UMB, you can expect more heart. You'll be valued for exactly who you are and encouraged to support causes you care about. Expect more trust. We want you to do the right thing, no matter what. And, expect more opportunities. UMBers are known for having multiple careers here and having their voices heard.

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