Director of Practice Management
Location: Smithtown, NY
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Director of Practice Management to lead the day-to-day operations of a growing independent wealth management practice while developing the team responsible for delivering an exceptional client experience.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has worked within an independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm and understands how to improve operational efficiency, build scalable processes, and develop high-performing teams.
The primary objective of this position is to oversee the firm's internal operations, allowing the founder to focus on client relationships, business development, and expanding the firm's market presence.
This is not a financial advisor role. The individual will not be responsible for managing client assets, selling investment products, or serving as the public face of the firm.
Responsibilities
- Practice Operations
- Lead and optimize the day-to-day operations of the advisory practice.
- Develop operational efficiencies that improve scalability and consistency.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support business initiatives.
- Ensure the office operates efficiently during periods when senior leadership is unavailable.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop Relationship Managers and administrative staff.
- Build structured onboarding, training, and professional development programs.
- Conduct one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and ongoing coaching conversations.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain top talent.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Process Improvement
- Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
- Develop standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
- Improve communication and handoffs between departments.
- Create repeatable processes that reduce reliance on tribal knowledge.
- Client Experience
- Ensure consistent execution of the firm's client service standards.
- Strengthen operational processes that support a high-quality client experience.
- Protect and reinforce the firm's planning philosophy as the organization continues to grow.
- Performance Management
- Develop operational KPIs and reporting dashboards.
- Monitor team performance and workflow effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement through reporting and data analysis.
- Administrative Oversight
- Oversee HR administration, PTO coordination, benefits administration, vendor relationships, and office operations.
- Coordinate operational initiatives with parent company resources, including technology, investments, and strategic planning.
What You'll Build
- A scalable onboarding and training program.
- Consistent operational workflows across the organization.
- Clear accountability and performance expectations.
- Stronger communication between departments.
- A structured development path for Relationship Managers.
- Repeatable processes that support long-term growth.
- An organization that operates efficiently without relying on the founder for day-to-day decisions.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience within an independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) or wealth management firm.
- 5+ years of leadership experience within an RIA environment.
- Strong understanding of RIA operations and client service workflows.
- Experience leading teams within an advisory practice.
- Proven success developing onboarding, training, and employee development programs.
- Experience creating operational processes, documentation, and workflow improvements.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to build KPIs, reporting, and operational metrics.
- High standards of accountability, professionalism, and follow-through.
- Comfortable partnering with an entrepreneurial, fast-paced founder.
Pay
Base Salary: $180,000–$200,000