Retirement Process Improvement Sr. Specialist, ARB

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Process Improvement Specialist, Sr, ARB provides experienced level support for ARB process improvement work and leads selected initiatives while bridging daily execution and project ownership. The Senior Specialist analyzes processes, leads improvement efforts for smaller and medium scope projects, and owns defined components of larger projects under the guidance of the Process Improvement Manager. The role involves working closely with partners across departments, listening to operational needs, translating those needs into structured workflows, and developing solutions that balance efficiency, risk management, and a positive experience for internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Specialist serves as a voice for the process improvement team and the business units they support, contributes to a culture of continuous improvement, and promotes collaboration, curiosity, and steady adoption of change across the organization.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Lead process improvement efforts for small and medium scope projects, including current state assessment, future state design, and implementation planning
• Own assigned workstreams within larger initiatives and coordinate timelines, deliverables, and communication
• Analyze business processes to identify inefficiencies, pain points, and risk, and use data to support sound recommendations
• Review trends and metrics that inform decisions and help monitor outcomes of process changes
• Develop and update process documentation, SOPs, workflows, and templates that support training and consistency
• Facilitate working sessions with subject matter experts to map processes, identify root causes, and create practical solutions
• Partner with leaders and team members across departments to understand operational needs and align improvements with ARB objectives
• Prepare and deliver communication that summarizes findings, recommendations, and project status for varied audiences
• Support training and change management activities for updated processes, including job aids and walkthroughs
• Monitor implemented changes, gather feedback from end users, and recommend adjustments that support long term adoption

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Minimum of five years of experience in process improvement, operations, business analysis, or related work
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with both qualitative and quantitative data
• Skill with data analysis and process mapping tools, with the ability to turn complex workflows into clear visuals and documentation
• Ability to collaborate across functions, build relationships, and influence outcomes without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including meeting and work session facilitation
• Experience creating and maintaining SOPs, process documentation, and training materials
• High attention to detail and strong organization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Comfort working in an environment where processes and systems evolve
• Curiosity about how systems and processes connect, with interest in understanding upstream and downstream impacts
• Demonstrates a strong ability to learn new systems quickly, explores unfamiliar tools with confidence, studies how components fit together, and designs workflows that support consistent and efficient processes

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

BASE PAY RANGE:

$60,000 - $85,000

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.