Head of Technology Business Operations

Position is Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with the ability to work additional hours as project needs demand.

Position is based at the Ledger - 240 S Main Street, Bentonville, AR. Incumbent should reside within the Arvest 4 State Operational Footprint (AR, KS, MO, OK). Remote work options may be available for residents outside of the 4-state footprint upon further review during the interview process.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience driving operational excellence across the technology organization be aligning financial management, workforce planning, governance, and performance insights to ensure technology investments deliver clear business value in a highly regulated financial services environment.

Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits .

The Head of Technology Business Operations serves as the Chief of Staff to the CIO, acting as the central figure that connects strategic vision with operational execution across the entire Technology organization. They are a critical force multiplier, responsible for the financial health of Technology (budgeting, P&L, cloud optimization), driving enterprise-wide strategic planning and performance management (OKRs/KPIs), and ensuring robust governance, risk, and compliance (FFIEC, SOX 404). The Head of Technology Business Operations manages key executive communications, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and oversees the entire technology vendor lifecycle. They are a trusted thought partner to the Technology Leadership Team, focused on continuous process improvement and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Finance to develop the annual Technology budget, forecast, and performance tracking, while facilitating strategic planning cycles to ensure resource alignment with enterprise goals.

• Provide executive insights on investment prioritization, cost transparency, and chargeback models, including optimizing spend and managing capital expenditure.

• Act as the primary operational and strategic partner to the CIO, translating vision into actionable plans and managing the CIO's office rhythm, leadership meetings, and governance forums.

• Manage the coordination and execution of key technology initiatives, ensuring cross-functional teams meet strategic and operational commitments.

• Prepare and oversee high-quality executive communications, Board updates, and briefings for internal, external, regulatory, or audit audiences.

• Implement and manage organizational performance frameworks (e.g., OKRs/KPIs), tracking progress and driving accountability across the technology organization.

• Enhance Technology governance frameworks and controls to ensure compliance with FFIEC, OCC, and SOX 404 expectations, and manage the Technology risk posture reporting to the Board and committees.

• Direct the end-to-end lifecycle for Technology vendors, from strategic sourcing and contract negotiation to performance management and regulatory-compliant governance.

• Lead initiatives to identify and implement workflow automation and process improvements (e.g., using ServiceNow) across governance, finance, and vendor operations to enhance efficiency and auditability.

• Act as a trusted thought partner to the Technology Leadership Team, building strong cross-functional relationships and promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

• Supervise two or more associates. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

• Understand and comply with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to job duties. This includes, but is not limited to, completing compliance training, adhering to internal procedures and controls, reporting any known violations of compliance policies, laws, or regulations, and reporting any suspicious customer and/or account activity.

• Other duties and special projects may be assigned.

Experience

• Required: 10+ years of progressive experience in Technology strategy, financial management, or operations, with 3 years in a Chief of Staff, Strategic Advisor, or Technology Governance role.

• Deep understanding of FFIEC IT Examination Handbook, OCC Heightened Standards, and SOX 404 control frameworks.

• Proven ability to manage IT P&L, vendor governance, and technology control environments in a regulated financial services institution.

• Experience with process automation, workflow tools, and performance management systems.

• Strong executive communication, analytical, and influence skills with experience engaging Board-level or regulatory stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success driving execution across complex, matrixed organizations through structure, clarity, and disciplined follow-through.

• Strategic and financially disciplined with a strong regulatory and risk mindset.

• Highly organized and proactive, with a bias for action and operational precision.

• Trusted advisor who demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and presence in executive settings.

• Capable of connecting strategy, governance, and financial outcomes into a cohesive execution plan.

• Passionate about leadership effectiveness, team alignment, and technology’s role in advancing business growth and trust.

• Relevant work experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

• Relevant military experience is considered for veterans and transitioning service members.

Education

Required: Bachelor’s degree

Preferred: MBA or advanced degree

Working Conditions

• Incumbents must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Must be able to start work on time, maintain regular work attendance, be physically present at the assigned work location, and occasionally work overtime or outside of normal business hours.

• This job typically requires an individual to be able to observe details (including the ability to perceive color and the ability to identify clear near and far objects), to communicate and exchange accurate information, and may occasionally require the individual to physically move, remain in stationary position, and position self to reach for objects.

• Must be able to operate standard office equipment and use office applications for communication, information and document transmission, and content, document, and report creation.

• Ability to travel overnight, unaccompanied, within the United States via automobile and air is required, on occasion.

The noise level in the work environment is typically low t

Grade 22

Pay Range: $226740 - $269259 per year