Operations Optimization Manager (Financial Services)

Hilltop Securities is looking for an Operations Manager, Optimization in Dallas, Texas to oversee implementation of automated workflows, AI tools, system integration, and maintain regulatory control within a brokerage firm. The role will manage a division to bridge the gap between IT, daily brokerage operations, compliance, and regulatory processes, gathering business processes to maximize efficiency and achieve measurable results. The manager will identify manual tasks, create digital application models to support business operations, and assist and communicate with managers and supervisors in decision‑making, process management, and initiative implementation. Responsibilities Apply strategic and operational knowledge to develop, communicate, and execute strategic plans. Mentor subordinates in performing challenging assignments that require originality and ingenuity. Collaborate with managers and supervisors to provide comprehensive solutions to complex problems and process improvements. Manage and train the team on platform automation, enabling self‑reliance within Operations. Track data, analyze key performance indicators, and build dashboards using Power BI or Tableau. Ensure automated processes adhere to Hilltop Securities (HTS) and Hilltop Holdings (HTH) financial regulatory or industry regulations and technology governance. Comply with firm OCC Supervisory Guidance and AI Continuous Monitoring Model Risk Management. Support large‑scale enterprise initiatives including system conversions and client onboarding projects, ensuring alignment across Operations, Technology, and Business stakeholders. Lead key conversion activities such as gap analysis, data mapping, testing coordination, and execution during platform migrations. Support large client conversion efforts, including detailed data mapping and preparation for tape‑to‑tape account conversions. Identify bottlenecks in operational flows and automate bottleneck tasks such as client onboarding/conversions, data input, and document comparison. Integrate AI tools like Microsoft GitHub Copilot and Power BI into project life cycles. Partner with business leaders, technology divisions, management, and compliance when reviewing, drafting requirements, and implementing new solutions. Test, maintain, and recommend improvements to ensure strong functionality and optimization. Apply critical thinking to solve customer or operational requirements. Perform tasks and apply knowledge of principles and methods necessary to meet operational requirements. Interpret and explain products and/or processes. Review and analyze user requirements, conversion requirements, and design documents. Qualifications B.S./B.A. or M.B.A./M.S. in Finance, Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent formal training or work experience. Experience in Information Systems, PMO lifecycle, platform assessment or equivalent formal training or work experience. Two to four years of relevant experience (business/data analysis, project lifecycle management, testing, etc.). Experience with reporting tools such as Power BI, Copilot, and Java. Strong SQL skills for compiling, drafting, and extracting data. Financial industry experience required; strong preference for operations experience. Minimum of 5-10 years’ management experience with sophisticated financial operations skills and in‑depth securities processing knowledge at regional and/or national level. Excellent leadership qualities and proven people‑management, operations, client‑relationship, and business‑management skills. Series 7 & 24 preferred or ability to obtain within six months. Computer hardware, operating system (Windows) and software/application skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.). Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills. Self‑development to keep up with fast‑changing trends. Ability to adapt to changing organizational priorities. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals in this position and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The company may change them at its discretion. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hilltop Securities Inc.