Head of Operations, Wealth & Trust

Head Of Operations, Wealth & Trust

At FNBO, our employees are the heart of our story—and we're committed to their success! Please see below the details of this career opportunity and how it fits into our organization's success.

The Head of Operations, Wealth & Trust leads operational excellence, process transformation, and day-to-day operational execution for the Wealth Division. This role directly manages operational teams delivering client support and transaction processing while driving comprehensive transformation through process redesign, automation, technology enhancement, and operational excellence methodologies. This position requires both visionary thinking and practical execution skills to identify operational gaps, design innovative solutions, and foster cross-functional collaboration to enhance the organization's operational maturity. The ideal candidate combines deep operational expertise with continuous improvement capabilities, thriving in ambiguity while delivering measurable outcomes through influence and direct leadership. You will balance operational discipline with innovation, ensuring exceptional client experiences while maintaining appropriate controls. This role serves as a key member of the Wealth Division Leadership Team.

Operations Leadership and Team Management

• Manage direct reports overseeing Trust Operations, Investment Operations, Wealth Operations and other operational support functions
• Drive operational transformation through process redesign, automation, role clarification, technology enhancement and clear accountabilities
• Lead efforts to modernize operations using digital tools, best-in-class platforms, and workflow optimization
• Manage operational metrics including billing accuracy, trade processing timelines, client service delivery, and vendor performance
• Ensure operational processes appropriately support regulatory requirements and business objectives
• Oversee money movement processes, client onboarding workflows, and account maintenance procedures
• Partner closely with Wealth Risk and Compliance to implement operational controls, ensure timely remediation of audit findings, and embed compliance requirements into process design and operational workflows
• Manage operating budget, people, process design and technology to optimize results

Operational Excellence & Process Transformation

• Establish and lead the operational excellence framework and methodology across wealth operations
• Develop and implement a comprehensive operational excellence roadmap aligned with strategic business objectives
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify and eliminate non-value-adding activities
• Design and implement streamlined workflows that enhance client experience while maintaining risk controls
• Create standardized work processes and visual management systems to sustain improvements
• Develop metrics and KPIs to measure process effectiveness and track transformation progress
• Evaluate and integrate enabling technologies (e.g., RPA, workflow tools, AI) in collaboration with IT and automation partners

Change Management & Implementation

• Lead cross-functional change initiatives using established methodologies
• Develop comprehensive communication plans to foster adoption of new processes
• Facilitate training sessions and create enablement resources for affected teams
• Lead transformational change initiatives that impact the entire Wealth division

Strategic Innovation & Organizational Development

• Research industry best practices and emerging trends in wealth operations
• Propose new ways of working that leverage technology and automation
• Pilot innovative approaches to solving persistent operational challenges
• Develop business cases for strategic investments in operational infrastructure
• Assess team structures and workflows to recommend organizational improvements
• Identify skill gaps and develop plans to address capability needs
• Partner with leadership to define roles and responsibilities within evolving operational models
• Support leaders in transition management during structural changes
• Translate division strategy into operational plans and execution
• Balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic goals

Talent and Culture Development

• Build and lead the wealth division operations teams, including at least four direct reports and 1-3 dotted line direct reports and a total of 15-20 team members.
• Build and develop high-performing teams through effective hiring, coaching and performance management
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, innovation and continuous learning
• Lead, align, and enable teams to deliver a continuous improvement mindset within a complex and dynamic environment
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to break down silos

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as strategic advisor to division management on operational matters
• Participate actively in business meetings and planning sessions
• Build trusted relationships with risk, compliance, technology, finance, and front-office leadership

The Ideal Candidate for This Role:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations Management or related field required
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma, CAIA, CFP) preferred
• 10+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, wealth management operations, or related areas; experience in wealth operations preferred
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives and managing change
• Proven experience leading transformations and integrating siloed operations
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful operational strategies that drive efficiency and enhance client service
• Experience with wealth management technology platforms and automation tools
• Experience implementing operational excellence programs in financial services

Technical & Leadership Competencies

• Strong understanding of RIA, SEC, OCC and/or trust regulations
• Track record of designing and executing successful operational strategies in complex or underperforming environments
• Exceptional analytical skills with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect daily operations to long-term business objectives
• Change Leadership: Skill in driving adoption of new processes and ways of working
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively across organizational boundaries
• Problem Solving: Creative approach to identifying root causes and developing sustainable solutions
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to influence at all levels
• Adaptability: Comfort with ambiguity and ability to pivot strategies as needs evolve
• Process Design: Expert knowledge of process mapping, analysis, and optimization methodologies
• Data-driven decision-making approach

Critical Must-Haves:

• Regulatory fluency - Direct experience with SEC and OCC operations
• Understanding of SEC and OCC regulations
• Operational transformation experience (building/changing operational frameworks, modernizing legacy processes)
• Change leadership in complex environments (specifically managing change for their own teams, not someone else's team)
• Ability to build credibility with business leaders
• Able to navigate resistance
• Experience selecting/implementing wealth management platforms

Salary Range: $160,298 - 272,508

Candidates must possess unrestricted work authorization and not require future sponsorship.

Compensation range (base pay): $160,298.00-$272,508.00

This role may have a specific starting pay within this range.

Final compensation offer to candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

Work Environment:

It is anticipated that the incumbent in this role will work onsite at the posted location. Our onsite environment fosters innovation, mentorship, and a vibrant culture where ideas flow freely and relationships flourish. As part of our team, you'll experience the energy of our collaborative spaces designed to support your professional growth while working alongside talented colleagues who inspire excellence daily. Please note that work location is subject to change based on business needs.

Benefits Overview:

We offer a variety of benefits designed to keep you and your family physically and financially healthy. Not only do we offer a competitive salary and work-life balance, we offer benefits to match your needs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k, With Matching Contributions
• Time Off Programs
• Health Savings Account (HSA)/Dependent Care
• Employee Banking
• Growth Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance

Equal Opportunity & Belong