Associate Director of Operations - Join a Prestigious Wealth Management Firm

Are you a seasoned operations leader ready to elevate your career in the heart of San Francisco's thriving financial district? Robert Half is proud to partner with a boutique wealth advisory firm managing $2B in assets under management (AUM) to find their next Associate Director of Operations. This leadership role offers the chance to oversee critical functions in client service, operations, and trading while contributing to a close-knit, high-performing team that serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions.

In this dynamic position, you'll drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. If you excel in fast-paced wealth management environments and have a passion for team leadership and process optimization, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Operations reports to senior leadership and plays a pivotal role in the firm's day-to-day success. Overseeing a team of five dedicated professionals, you'll ensure seamless execution across client onboarding, transaction processing, trading activities, and reporting. This position demands a strategic thinker who can balance tactical execution with long-term process enhancements.

Working in a collaborative setting, you'll partner with advisors to deliver white-glove client experiences, coordinate with top-tier custodians like Schwab, Fidelity, and Pershing, and integrate data from external providers. The role is perfect for professionals with wealth management operations experience who seek ownership and growth in a boutique firm where your contributions are highly visible and valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of five across Client Service, Operations, and Trading, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage end-to-end operational workflows, including daily trade settlements, monthly reconciliations, quarterly reporting, and annual audits.
• Ensure 100% accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with multiple custodians and third-party data vendors for efficient data flow and issue resolution.
• Identify bottlenecks, implement process automation, and drive continuous improvements to scale operations with growing AUM.
• Collaborate with advisors on complex client needs, such as custom portfolio reporting and alternative investments.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like trade error rates, client satisfaction scores, and operational turnaround times.
• Support ad-hoc projects, including system migrations, new product launches, and technology integrations.

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this role, candidates should bring a robust background in financial services operations. Key qualifications include:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in wealth management or investment operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success managing teams of 5+ in client-facing or back-office roles.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, including knowledge of SEC Rules, Form ADV, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.
• Hands-on experience with custodians, trading platforms (e.g., Advent, Black Diamond, Orion), and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Proven track record of process optimization, ideally using tools like Excel, SQL, or workflow automation software.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; Series 7 and 65/66 licenses preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functionally in a boutique firm environment.
• Resilience in high-pressure settings with a client-centric mindset and commitment to excellence.

Candidates from RIA, family office, or broker-dealer backgrounds will find this role particularly rewarding, as the firm values curiosity, ownership, and a collaborative spirit.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just a job—it's a career-defining opportunity at a prestigious firm known for its family-oriented culture and employee-centric perks. Enjoy fully paid healthcare, paid office lunches, a generous $150/month gym stipend, and the option to join the firm's cell phone plan. After one year, participate in a 401(k) with 3–5% employer match. With ample internal mobility, you'll have clear paths for advancement in a supportive environment that celebrates work-life balance.

Located in vibrant San Francisco, California, United States, this full-time role offers the prestige of a top wealth management firm with the intimacy of a boutique operation. Stand out in SEO-optimized searches for 'wealth management jobs San Francisco' or 'operations director finance careers'—apply through Robert Half today to connect with our recruiter and take the next step in your professional journey. Total word count: 852.