People working in the banking or retail industry who are ambitious, detail-oriented, and have excellent interpersonal skills often find they are well-suited to become a regional branch manager. A regional branch manager is responsible for a number of bank branches located within a specific geographic area. He or she is expected to be in regular communication with each of the branches, reviewing performance, business process, and campaigns.
Post-secondary training in business, accounting, finance, or a related field is expected for anyone who wants to become a regional branch manager. This type of manager spends the majority of his or her day reviewing sales activity, meeting with staff, and reviewing long-term goals with senior management. Skills learned in a degree or diploma program are essential in this role.
Related work experience includes accounting, bookkeeping, sales management, or financial advising. It is very unusual to become a regional branch manager without working in a sales or site manager position. This is a very senior management position and as such is usually held by people who have been in a management role for at least 10 to 15 years. Success in a series of progressively responsible positions is the typical career path. The level of responsibility, and salary, at this level is very high and can result in a poor work-life balance.
When applying for a job as a regional branch manager, be sure to structure your resume and cover letter to highlight management experience. This experience can be obtained both inside and outside the standard working environment. Volunteering, mentoring, and other leadership roles all provide valuable experience and opportunities to show how you perform under pressure.
Due to the level of risk and access, it is becoming increasingly common for companies to require a credit and criminal records check as part of the application process. Keep this in mind when applying. Although this type of check may have been completed when first employed, it is often repeated when applying for positions at a senior level.
During the job interview process, anyone who wants to become a regional branch manager should be available for at least two rounds of interviews. The first round is with the human resources staff and is a preliminary interview. The second round is with senior management and is often a panel interview. Stay calm and be prepared to answer a range of questions on your management style, experience, sales ideas, and other innovations that can help the bank become more profitable. Teamwork and integrity is very important at this level and should be emphasized in the interview.