MANAGING DIRECTOR, ADVISOR TEAM OPERATIONS & STRATEGY

Position Overview

The Managing Director, Advisor Team Operations & Strategy serves as the operational architect and strategic business leader for a large, Wealth Advisory team operating within one of the nation's leading Registered Investment Advisors. This leader partners closely with the Advisor Leadership Team to strengthen team cohesion, operational excellence, talent development, client experience consistency, and long‑term enterprise value creation of the Team. The Managing Director serves as the chief operating partner to the Advisor Leadership Team, translating strategic priorities into execution while fostering accountability, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead the day‑to‑day operational management of the Wealth Advisory team.
• Drive accountability for key business objectives, strategic initiatives, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Facilitate leadership meetings, quarterly business reviews, and action item follow‑up.
• Monitor team capacity, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop organizational structures, workflows, and accountability frameworks.

Cross‑Functional Partnership & Enterprise Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Wealth Advisory team and centralized business functions.
• Improve communication, streamline workflows, and enhance service delivery.
• Coordinate implementation of enterprise initiatives impacting the advisory team.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Locally oversee the management, development, and performance of Associate Wealth Advisors and Client Service Associates for team unity.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and professional development support.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and talent development efforts.
• Support career pathing, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.

Client Experience & Service Excellence

• Promote a culture of client service excellence.
• Ensure a consistent, high‑quality client experience.
• Partner with Marketing to coordinate annual client events and engagement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve client experience and operational efficiency.

Business Management & Accountability

• Maintain oversight of financial performance, productivity metrics, and operating leverage.
• Track business development activity and strategic growth opportunities.
• Develop and monitor KPIs that drive accountability and business performance.
• Support annual planning, budgeting, and business objective setting.

Governance, Risk & Change Management

• Support change management efforts related to growth and transformation.
• Ensure adherence to firm policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Compliance and Risk teams to mitigate business risks.
• Support implementation of new business processes and technology solutions.

Additional Areas of Focus

• Team culture and employee engagement
• Capacity and resource planning
• Succession and continuity planning
• Operational scalability
• Technology optimization and workflow improvement
• Enterprise value creation

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience within wealth management, financial services, or professional services organizations.
• Experience managing complex multi‑office teams and service organizations.
• Strong financial acumen and operational management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior professionals in a partnership‑style environment.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Familiarity with RIA operating environments and advisor business models preferred.

Key Attributes

• High emotional intelligence and organizational awareness.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong accountability orientation.
• Process‑minded while remaining flexible and advisor‑centric.
• Strong project management and follow‑through skills.
• Builder mentality with a bias toward execution.

Success Metrics

• Achievement of annual business plan objectives.
• Team engagement and retention.
• Associate Wealth Advisor development and promotion readiness.
• Client satisfaction and service consistency.
• Strategic initiative execution.
• Revenue growth and profitability.
• Advisor productivity and capacity optimization.
• Leadership succession readiness.

What We Offer

Starting base salary is $200,000 - 250,000. Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package that includes an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full‑time employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long‑term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre‑tax parking and transportation programs. All employees receive equity in Cresset.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset’s policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.