Branch Manager in Training
Branch Manager in Training
Department: Member Services
Reports to: Director of Retail Operations
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, In-Person
Effective: August 2026
Overview:
The Branch Manager in Training position is a structured leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential employees for future Branch Manager assignments. Through rotational training, project leadership, and progressive responsibility, participants develop the knowledge and experience necessary to independently lead a GHS branch.
During the program, the employee will complete structured learning experiences in branch operations, consumer lending, member services, compliance, business development, coaching, and leadership. As competencies are demonstrated, responsibilities will expand until the employee is prepared to assume full responsibility for managing a branch.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
As training milestones are successfully completed, the employee will progressively assume the responsibilities outlined below under the guidance of branch and retail leadership.
Management Development Timeline:
The Branch Manager in Training program is designed to be completed in approximately 18 months, with progression based on demonstrated competency, business needs, and Branch Manager openings.
- Phase 1 – Foundations (Months 1–3): Complete structured rotations through key branch functions to build a strong operational foundation.
- Phase 2 – Supervised Leadership (Months 4–6): Apply operational knowledge while developing leadership skills under the guidance of an experienced Branch Manager.
- Phase 3 – Acting Branch Manager (Months 7–9): Assume increasing responsibility for branch leadership through manager coverage assignments and expanded decision-making authority.
- Phase 4 – Branch-Ready / Placement (Months 10–12): Demonstrate readiness for independent branch leadership through successful completion of required training, competency evaluations, and leadership approval.
Branch Operations and Leadership
- Develop proficiency in branch operations, consumer lending, regulatory compliance, staffing, scheduling, and branch administration through observation, participation, and progressively assigned responsibilities.
- Assist with daily branch operations under the guidance of Branch Managers and senior leadership while developing sound operational judgment and decision-making skills.
- Progressively assume greater responsibility for operational oversight and branch leadership as competencies are demonstrated.
Team Development
- Build positive working relationships while consistently demonstrating GHS core values in all interactions.
- Participate in employee coaching, performance discussions, hiring, onboarding, and leadership activities to develop effective management skills.
- Foster a collaborative, engaged, and member-focused team environment while developing the ability to coach, mentor, and support employee growth.
Member Service and Business Development
- Deliver exceptional member service while identifying opportunities to strengthen member relationships through appropriate financial solutions.
- Participate in sales initiatives, business development, and community outreach activities that support branch growth and membership.
- Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to delivering a positive member experience in every interaction.
Manager Coverage and Acting Supervisor Duties
- Provide acting Branch Manager coverage during planned and unplanned Branch Manager absences, including PTO, illness, training, and off-site meetings, which may involve traveling to and working at different branch locations as business needs require.
- During assigned coverage, perform branch opening and closing procedures, oversee daily operations, coordinate staffing and scheduling, approve transactions and overrides within assigned authority, resolve member escalations, and ensure compliance with credit union policies and regulatory requirements.
- Progressively assume increasing leadership responsibility, beginning with short planned absences and advancing to extended or unplanned coverage, multi-branch support, and full Acting Branch Manager responsibilities as competencies are demonstrated.
- Participate in employee coaching, performance discussions, hiring activities, and corrective action in partnership with the Director of Retail Operations and Human Resources until authorized to independently perform these responsibilities.
Performance Expectations:
Success in this position will be measured through successful completion of the management development program, demonstration of leadership competencies, operational proficiency, and consistent alignment with GHS values and service standards. Performance expectations include:
- Consistently demonstrate GHS core values and service standards in all member and employee interactions.
- Successfully complete all assigned rotational assignments, training, coursework, and competency assessments.
- Demonstrate increasing proficiency in branch operations, consumer lending, member service, compliance, and leadership responsibilities.
- Apply credit union policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements accurately and consistently.
- Build collaborative working relationships across departments while contributing to a positive team environment.
- Participate in coaching opportunities, staff meetings, leadership discussions, and employee development activities.
- Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and a willingness to assume increasing responsibility throughout the program.
- Provide timely, professional, and responsive service to members, teammates, and business partners.
- Maintain confidentiality of member, employee, and business information.
- Demonstrate professionalism through appearance, communication, organization, and attention to detail.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and compliant documentation.
- Contribute to a welcoming branch environment where members are acknowledged promptly and served efficiently.
- Demonstrate readiness for independent Branch Manager responsibilities through successful completion of program milestones and leadership evaluations.
Program Completion and Placement
Successful completion of the Branch Manager in Training program requires satisfactory completion of all assigned coursework, training, rotational assignments, competency assessments, and leadership evaluations. Completion of the program does not guarantee immediate placement into a Branch Manager position. Placement is contingent upon business needs, demonstrated readiness, and the availability of a Branch Manager opening.