Vice President Operations Jobs in Delavan, WI (NOW HIRING)

Why Work at Bank First

At Bank First, we're not just a bank-we're a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the "Best Banks to Work For". We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you're joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Imagine a workplace where:

• Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
• Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
• Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
• You're part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment

At Bank First, you don't just fill a role-you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.

About the Role: VP - Fraud Prevention Manager

The VP - Fraud Prevention Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Bank's fraud prevention program, overseeing fraud team operations, regulatory compliance, fraud investigations, loss mitigation efforts, and fraud detection systems. This position develops and maintains fraud policies, procedures, and reporting while analyzing fraud trends, monitoring emerging risks, and implementing controls to prevent financial loss to the Bank and its customers. The VP partners with Compliance, Legal, and business lines to ensure effective fraud risk management, educates employees on fraud prevention best practices, leverages technology to improve detection and efficiency, and leads the development and growth of a high-performing fraud team through coaching, mentoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Fraud Prevention Department, ensuring efficient workflow, effective case management, and achievement of departmental objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Fraud Prevention team members, fostering professional development, engagement, accountability, and succession planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain fraud prevention strategies, policies, procedures, and controls that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including NACHA Rules, Regulation E, Regulation CC, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), Bank Secrecy Act requirements, and other fraud-related regulatory guidance.
• Maintain expertise in fraud trends, emerging threats, evolving payment channels, and regulatory changes through ongoing education, training, and professional development.
• Analyze fraud data, loss trends, and investigative findings to identify patterns, emerging risks, and opportunities to strengthen fraud prevention controls and reduce losses.
• Oversee the monitoring, investigation, and resolution of suspicious activity identified through fraud detection systems, reports, customer referrals, and employee referrals.
• Evaluate and optimize fraud detection tools and technologies, including Verafin and other bank systems, and recommend enhancements or new solutions to improve efficiency, automation, and fraud detection capabilities.
• Develop and maintain fraud alert workflows, escalation procedures, and end-to-end investigation processes to ensure consistent handling of fraud events and suspicious activity.
• Establish and maintain procedures for customer account closures related to fraud risk, including approval workflows, documentation requirements, and communication standards.
• Partner with Compliance, Legal, Risk Management, Operations, and business line leaders to investigate complex fraud cases, mitigate risk, and support regulatory examinations and audits.
• Develop and deliver fraud awareness training and educational resources for frontline employees and management to strengthen fraud detection, prevention, and customer communication efforts.
• Provide regular reporting and executive dashboards that summarize fraud losses, fraud prevented, exposure trends, recovery efforts, fraud typologies, key metrics, and year-over-year comparisons.
• Develop and maintain communication protocols for interactions with customers, frontline teams, and internal stakeholders during fraud investigations and loss mitigation efforts.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance fraud prevention controls, improve customer experience, reduce operational risk, and increase recovery opportunities.
• Support strategic initiatives, special projects, vendor relationships, and departmental planning related to fraud prevention and financial crimes risk management.
• Ensure accurate documentation, record retention, and reporting of fraud investigations and departmental activities.
• Understand and comply with the Bank's mission, organizational structure, employee handbook, security requirements, policies and procedures, standards of conduct, and incentive programs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Criminal Justice, Risk Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in fraud prevention, fraud investigations, financial crimes, loss mitigation, risk management, or a related banking function.
• Previous leadership or management experience preferred.
• Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation preferred; other fraud-related certifications are a plus.
• Strong knowledge of fraud regulations, payment systems, dispute processes, and fraud investigation methodologies.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues and recommendations clearly and effectively to employees, management, and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership, coaching, team-building, and employee development skills.
• Ability to manage conflict, make sound decisions, and approach situations from a holistic risk perspective.
• Advanced analytical, investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify trends, patterns, and emerging risks.
• Proficiency with fraud detection software, reporting tools, and banking systems.
• Ability to stay informed of industry trends, maintain professional networks, and apply emerging best practices to the organization's fraud prevention program.
• Commitment to fostering a positive culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

About Bank First

Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking-getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.

Our Culture & Vision

We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.

Our Values

Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven

Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.