Operations Associate Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

The Deposit Operations Manager is responsible for leading the Credit Union's deposit operations functions, ensuring the accurate, efficient, and compliant processing of deposit transactions while providing operational support to branches and internal business partners. This role oversees item processing, branch capture, overdraft administration, vendor relationships, operational controls, regulatory compliance, reporting, and continuous process improvement to deliver operational excellence and an exceptional member experience.

 Operations Management & Execution

• Manage daily workflows, staffing, and controls for assigned deposit operations functions to ensure accurate, efficient processing and strong service to members and branch teams.
• Lead, coach, and develop associates through onboarding, cross-training, performance feedback, and regular team communication; promote accountability, accuracy, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee item processing in accordance with Check 21 requirements and internal policy, including file balancing, exception/return item handling, adjustments, reconciliations, records retention, and research/resolution of member inquiries.
• Monitor operational service levels and turnaround times to ensure timely completion of work and a consistent experience for members and internal partners.
• Administer Branch Capture operations including user access, device/program oversight, file monitoring, item review, duplicate detection, image quality standards, and issue resolution with branches and vendors.
• Oversee research and resolution of posting exceptions, adjustments, duplicate deposits, encoding errors, and account posting issues, ensuring prompt operational support for branch associates and member service teams.

Program & Vendor Management

• Manage the Overdraft Privilege program, including eligibility parameters, opt-in/opt-out administration, negative balance monitoring, fee/refund decisioning, charge-off preparation support, and ongoing program effectiveness review.
• Serve as a key point of contact for item processing and capture vendors; manage service issues, escalations, change control, testing/validation, and ongoing performance monitoring against SLAs.

Risk, Compliance & Audit

• Maintain and enhance controls to mitigate operational, fraud, and compliance risk (e.g., segregation of duties, daily balancing, exception monitoring, access reviews, dual control, and quality assurance).
• Ensure activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and network/vendor requirements, including but not limited to Reg CC/availability, return item timeframes, NACHA considerations as applicable, and UDAAP/overdraft-related requirements.
• Support internal/external audits and regulatory examinations by providing requested documentation, evidence of controls, and timely corrective action plans; track findings to resolution.
• Ensure operational readiness through business continuity planning, contingency procedures, disaster recovery testing, and coordination during system outages or operational disruptions.

Reporting, Process Improvement & Governance

• Produce and/or review operational reports and KPIs (e.g., exception volumes, returns, duplicate rates, image quality trends, overdraft program metrics) to identify issues, improve processes, and inform leadership.
• Maintain current procedure documentation; implement process changes; and provide training/communications to the team and branch partners to ensure consistent execution and understanding.
• Participate in departmental and enterprise initiatives, including system implementations, process redesign, product enhancements, and operational change management activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support deposit operations, member experience, and organizational objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in deposit operations (or closely related back-office banking/credit union operations), with hands-on responsibility for Check 21/item processing, Branch Capture, and overdraft program administration strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, scheduling/workload management, and process accountability.
• Strong working knowledge of deposit operations controls and regulatory requirements impacting check processing and overdraft, including Reg CC/availability concepts, return item timeframes, fraud/duplicate detection practices, and audit/exam readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, delegate effectively, analyze exceptions and trends, communicate clearly with branch partners and vendors, and lead change through documentation, training, and process improvement.
• Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop associates.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing deadlines, and adapt to changing operational demands.

Equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.