Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Wealth Management Operations Manager to lead and transform our operations function. This pivotal role focuses on establishing a foundation of excellence by thoroughly cleaning up, defining, documenting, and optimizing all processes within the operations team. The successful candidate will ensure robust controls are embedded in every workflow, drive continuous process improvement to enhance efficiency and scalability, and take full ownership of integrating and onboarding newly acquired Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs).

Our firm relies heavily on Orion as the core platform for portfolio management, reporting, rebalancing, billing, and operations workflows, with the trading team utilizing Orion's Eclipse platform for trade execution and order management. The Operations Manager will leverage deep expertise in these systems to standardize operations, reduce risk, and support the firm's growth through acquisitions.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Process Documentation & Standardization

• Conduct a comprehensive review and cleanup of all existing operations processes.
• Define, document, and maintain detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and playbooks for all operations team activities.
• Create and manage an operations manual or knowledge repository with step-by-step instructions, screenshots, decision trees, and references to Orion system navigation.

Risk Management & Controls

• Evaluate and implement appropriate internal controls, segregation of duties, reconciliation procedures, and error-proofing mechanisms across all processes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and firm policies through embedded controls in workflows.
• Perform periodic control testing, gap analyses, and remediation to maintain a strong control environment.

Process Optimization & Efficiency

• Re-engineer existing processes to prioritize efficiency, automation opportunities, and reduction of manual touchpoints.
• Identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and pain points; lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles or similar methodologies.
• Collaborate with the trading team to optimize workflows involving Orion Eclipse for trading, order management, and execution.
• Drive adoption of best practices in Orion utilization to improve data accuracy, reporting timeliness, and overall operational scalability.

RIA Acquisition & Onboarding Ownership

• Serve as the primary owner for ingesting and integrating newly acquired RIAs.
• Develop and execute standardized onboarding playbooks, including data migration from legacy systems to Orion, account conversions, portfolio transitions, client communications, and staff training/integration.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts (compliance, IT, portfolio management, client service) to ensure seamless transitions with minimal disruption to clients or operations.
• Monitor post-onboarding performance and implement lessons learned to refine future acquisition processes.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor the operations team, fostering a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with advisors, portfolio managers, compliance, IT, and other stakeholders to align operations with firm-wide goals.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to process efficiency, error rates, control effectiveness, and onboarding timelines, report regularly to senior leadership.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CFA, CFP, CAIA, or operations-focused credentials) preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in wealth management or RIA operations, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven expertise in Orion portfolio management platform (including Eclipse for trading); hands-on experience configuring workflows, reporting, and integrations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of process documentation, control implementation, and operational transformation in a financial services environment.
• Experience with RIA acquisitions, platform migrations, or data conversions is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of wealth management operations, including account opening/maintenance, trade processing, reconciliation, billing, performance reporting, and compliance workflows.
• Excellent analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail and efficiency.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to create clear, actionable documentation and present to stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); familiarity with workflow tools, document management systems, or process mapping software is a plus.

Preferred Attributes

• Proactive, self-motivated leader who thrives in a growth-oriented environment.
• Passion for operational excellence and driving measurable improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience in a multi-custodian or acquisitive RIA/wealth management firm.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Travel Requirements

• Less than 5% of the time, but occasional travel is necessary.