Wealth Advisory Associate Team Lead

First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60locations and assets of $5+billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

The Wealth Advisory Team Lead oversees and manages the daily operations of the Wealth Advisory Associates, overseeing employee development, performance evaluations, compliance, and cross-training to ensure efficiency and adherence to policies. This individual provides expert guidance on high-net-worth client transactions, delivering strategic solutions, and exceptional customer service while collaborating with internal business units. This team lead drives department initiatives, project execution, and procedural improvements to optimize operations, mitigate risk, and enhance the overall client experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly manage the daily activities of the Wealth Advisory Associates and within the Wealth Management Department, coordinating and prioritizing requisite duties and daily assignments while appraising employee productivity and performance. Monitor staff attendance, work standards, and adherence to company policies. Compose and deliver performance evaluations.
• Responsible for employee hiring, training, staff development, timecard approval, scheduling, and direct assistance with coverage of daily workloads when needed. Facilitate the cross training of staff to ensure that all shifts have adequate coverage at all times.
• Mentor team by providing actionable advice and insight into preparation of client related materials for advisor meetings.
• Leverage industry awareness and expertise to independently interact with and service a high-net worth portfolio of clients to strengthen the relationship and provide thoughtful solutions to portfolio needs utilizing First American Bank's Wealth Management network.
• Serve as an expert and communicate directly with clients and their advisors on complex transactions. Work directly with clients to provide appropriate resolutions to client needs while delivering exceptional service.
• Develop, implement, analyze, update, and maintain procedures and policies for the team. Ensure compliance by developing and delivering training sessions and materials to efficiently and comprehensively educate both new and existing employees to mitigate risk for the bank and maximize departmental efficiency.
• Work with outside institutions to manage client wealth needs.
• Work with First American Business units to ensure a cohesive client experience tailored to client needs with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive First American Bank relationship.
• Monitor critical actions by date related to the administration of client accounts. Work within established procedures to manage routine transactions and system maintenance.
• Work with the Client Advisory team to address and mitigate outstanding exceptions related to the administration of client relationships.
• Lead department projects as needed, overseeing system updates, data aggregation, and other key initiatives. Ensure efficient execution, seamless transitions, and effective collaboration for successful outcomes.
• Represent the Wealth Advisory Team for special bank-wide or department events as well as on compliance and administrative committees.
• Ensure client requests are handled according to established procedures.
• Oversee preparation of month-end reports, including new/closed business, at-risk, referral, and complaint reports.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree required with emphasis on business, finance, or accounting preferred.
• Minimum five years experience in wealth management, financial planning, or private banking is required.
• Prior management or leadership experience is preferred.
• Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Prior bank or investment firm support experience is a plus.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions, and training facilities may be required.
• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank's customer service standards.