Director of Operations

Overview

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, and $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE  500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2026.

The  Director of Operations (DOO) reports to the Managing Partner (MP) as a member of the leadership team and leads (1) Enterprise Operations, (2) Technology, and (3) Centralized Talent Department. This position takes a strategic approach to ongoing operations and procedures, while leading change with long-term vision and values alignment. The DOO drives department productivity and results through innovation, uniform processes, and deep resources.

This position is full-time, direct hire, located in Houston, Texas.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Operations

• Partner with the Managing Partner (MP) and Managing Directors (MD) to execute strategic growth initiatives and operational priorities.
• Lead operational enterprise strategy, process improvement, and policy development to elevate execution excellence, utilizing cross-organizational methods to strengthen the culture of the Network Office.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational alignment, culture, and business performance across all offices.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on operational planning, workforce strategy, and organizational effectiveness.

Operations, Facilities & Technology

• Lead workplace strategy and facilities operations across the Network Office and District Network Offices, ensuring broad consistency, efficiency, and alignment across all offices.
• Oversee Technology Team in collaboration with Home Office Field Technology Success team.
• Manage procurement, vendor relationships, and resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effective use of organizational assets.

Centralized Services & Human Resources

• Strategically lead, evolve, and scale centralized services supporting advisors and ensemble practices (Financial Planning Services and Centralized Talent Department growth initiatives), working across teams to execute in specialty areas​.
• Lead the Centralized Talent Department to deliver recruiting, hiring, and onboarding solutions that build high-performing dream teams.
• As the main point of contact to partner with our Professional Employment Organization (PEO), manage HRIS systems, policies, and operational processes to create an efficient, uniform, scalable, and consistent employee experience.
• Manage employee benefits administration, including plan analysis and serve as the primary liaison with Home Office benefits partners.
• Provide guidance and expertise to leadership on employee relations, policy interpretation, and HR best practices.

Culture, Engagement & Organizational Development

• Identify opportunities and develop organizational initiatives and programs to foster a culture of learning through improved and innovative communications, outreach, and staff engagement.
• Build strong relationships with advisors, leaders, and staff to encourage collaboration, participation, and referrals.
• Drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, strengthen organizational culture, and support advisor success.

Success in This Role

• 60-80% recovery of Financial Planning Services.
• Achieve exceptional talent acquisition outcomes through successful Centralized Talent Department placement outcomes.
• Foster employee experience and engagement to achieve 90% Satisfaction or greater on Culture Survey.
• Drive adoption of key technologies and process innovation to enhance productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Human Resources, Management, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, business management, human resources, or financial services.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale operational initiatives and driving organizational growth.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of engagement and accountability.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence and partner effectively with senior leadership.
• Proven ability to lead change, improve processes, and drive operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience within wealth management, financial services, insurance, or professional services.

Licenses/Certifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Life & Health Insurance License
• FINRA Series 6 or 7
• FINRA Series 63 or 66
• FINRA Series 24

Benefits

Northwestern Mutual Houston is committed to building a team that loves what they do and creating a work environment that supports long-term career growth. The compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with employer contribution.
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with employer match.
• Annual discretionary bonus opportunity.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Dynamic career growth opportunities.
• Employer-sponsored licensing, professional development, and education opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements, where applicable.

Compensation & Bonus Opportunity

Base salary: $85,800-$107,250 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Eligible for an annual incentive program tied to strategic and operational performance.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal.

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.